Trumna

Trumna is the Polish term for a coffin, a coffin-like container used to hold a deceased person for burial or cremation. It is a component of many funeral practices and serves as a visible focus of farewell in ceremonies or in subsequent rites at a cemetery or crematorium.

Construction and design vary by material and tradition. Commonly, trumny are made of wood (such as oak, pine, or plywood) or metal (often steel or aluminum). The interior is typically lined with fabric, like satin or velvet, and the exterior may be finished with veneer, paint, or decorative fittings. The shape of a trumna in European practice is usually slightly tapered at the head and feet, distinguishing it from a rectangular casket, which is more common in North American usage. Standard lengths are around 180 to 210 cm, with widths that accommodate different sizes. Handles or carrying grips are included to facilitate transport.

Materials and options include traditional wooden coffins, metal coffins for added durability, and increasingly biodegradable or eco-friendly coffins designed for natural burials. In some contexts, trumny are used for cremation, after which the remains are collected as ashes. The choice of material and design often reflects cultural, religious, and personal preferences, as well as cemetery or crematorium regulations.

In Polish practice, the term encompasses a range of products used to prepare the deceased for burial or cremation, from conventional wooden coffins to contemporary biodegradable designs, all within established funeral-service norms.