Entombment

Entombment is the act of placing a deceased person in a tomb or other sealed resting place for burial. The word derives from en- meaning “in” plus tomb, with tomb itself coming from Old French tombe and Latin tumba. The term is used to describe the disposition of remains in a formal, protected final resting place.

Common settings for entombment include in-ground graves within cemeteries, above-ground mausoleums, crypts, and sarcophagi. In many jurisdictions, entombment also covers the placement of cremated remains in a columbarium or niche within a mausoleum or cemetery. Cemeteries and religious or cultural authorities typically oversee rites, permits, and the sealing or closure of tombs.

Historically, entombment has taken diverse forms across cultures. Ancient civilizations built monumental mausoleums for rulers and elites; others used underground tombs and catacombs. In many faiths, burial practices and the location, orientation, and ceremonies surrounding entombment reflect beliefs about the afterlife, honor, and remembrance. The practice often involves appropriate rites, pallbearers, and symbolic acts performed by family, clergy, or community leaders.

In contemporary contexts, entombment is influenced by religion, law, and local customs. It may be carried out with caskets or shrouds, and the remains of cremated individuals may be entombed in columbaria. Regulations address safety, space, and respect for the deceased, while cultural norms shape the expressions of memory and mourning surrounding the process.