Restovlakken

Restovlakken refers to a traditional Dutch funeral practice that involves covering the deceased in a number of beetroot red cloths. The cloths are typically made of linen and are intricately folded and draped over the coffin in a particular manner. This practice is often associated with the death of a baby or a child.

The tradition of restovlakken is rooted in the Dutch Reformed Church and was initially adopted as a way to show respect and piety for the deceased. The number of red cloths used in the funeral ceremony often corresponds with the age of the deceased child. For example, one cloth is used for a child who lived for only one day, while four or six cloths are used for a child who lived for four or six days.

Restovlakken was an important part of Dutch burial customs in the 19th and early 20th centuries, particularly in rural areas. The practice was seen as a way to comfort grieving families and to emphasize the importance of faith and mortality. However, as modern funeral practices have evolved, restovlakken has become less common, and many of the traditional aspects of the practice have largely fallen out of use.

Despite its decline, restovlakken remains an interesting and unique aspect of Dutch cultural heritage. It continues to be observed by some families and is sometimes referenced in literature and art as a way to evoke a sense of historical and cultural context.