Kevin Cobbold Funeral Services

28/10/2025

What is the difference between a coffin and a casket?

A coffin has six sides, narrow at the head and feet, and shaped to follow the human form. The lid is usually flat and fully removable.

This traditionally hexagonal vessel is usually tapered at the head and feet and wider at the shoulders.

The term “coffin” stems from Old French and English words referring to a basket, a chest or even a pie crust! Over time, the word has come to be used to describe any container for the deceased, regardless of shape or number of sides.

A casket is rectangular with four sides, usually with a hinged lid that is often split for viewings, lined with padding and fabric, and designed to look more like a piece of fine furniture. In the U.S. the casket is seen as more elegant and dignified.

The term casket can also describe a special box for holding jewellery and other valuables. Many believe the word originated from the Old French “cassette,” meaning a small chest or box.

The term ‘casket’ started to replace ‘coffin’ in the 19th century, in part to soften the language of death and reflect the idea that the body was something precious.

People use these words interchangeably, but they aren't exactly the same.

22/10/2025

Funeral flowers carry deep symbolic meanings that vary across cultures and traditions. Each type of flower can convey a specific emotion, sentiment or message of remembrance. Here is a list of commonly used funeral flowers and their traditional symbolism:

🌹 Roses
• Red: Love, respect, and grief.
• White: Purity, innocence, reverence, and youth.
• Pink: Grace, admiration, and appreciation.
• Yellow: Strong ties of friendship (less common for funerals).
• Dark crimson: Mourning and sorrow.

⚜️ Lilies
• White lilies: Purity, the restored innocence of the soul of the deceased.
• Stargazer lilies: Sympathy and eternal life.
• Lilies are especially associated with Christian funeral services, symbolising resurrection and renewal.

🌼 Chrysanthemums
• Europe (especially France, Italy, etc.): Solemn death and mourning; only used for funerals.
• Asia (China, Japan, Korea): Grief, lamentation, and sometimes nobility.
• USA: Truth and honour; also used to express sympathy.

🌻 Carnations
• Red: Admiration.
• White: Innocence and pure love.
• Pink: Remembrance and the belief that they were created from the Virgin Mary's tears (Catholic tradition).

🌻 Sunflowers
• Loyalty, adoration, and a celebration of a life well-lived. Less traditional but increasingly popular to honour vibrant personalities.

🌸 Orchids
• Pink and white: Eternal love and sympathy.
• Orchids symbolise delicate beauty, strength, and enduring love, especially in tropical or Asian cultures.

🌺 Gladioli
• Strength of character, moral integrity, and remembrance.
• These tall flowers convey dignity and resilience.

🌷 Tulips
• Renewal and love.
• Red tulips: Deep love.
• Yellow tulips: Cheerful thoughts.
• White tulips: Forgiveness.

💐 Hydrangeas
• Heartfelt emotions and gratitude.
• Often used in sympathy arrangements to convey deep understanding and empathy.

🪻 Hyacinths
• Deep sorrow and pain.
• Purple hyacinths, in particular, express regret and sorrow in funeral arrangements.

23/07/2025

Direct cremations - the difference between using a TV advertised direct cremation company and using a local funeral director for a direct cremation.