Urnen

Urnen are hollow vessels used to store cremated remains after a funeral. They function as memorial containers and can be kept at home, interred in a cemetery, placed in a niche in a columbarium, or used for scattering at designated sites. The design and material of urns vary by culture and purpose.

Common materials include ceramic, metal (bronze, brass, stainless steel), glass, wood, and marble. Biodegradable urns made from cardboard, paper pulp, or natural materials are used for natural or green burials. Keepsake and child-sized urns are smaller, and allow the distribution of ashes among several family members.

Full-size cremation urns, keepsake urns, baby urns, scattering urns, and underwater or reef urns exist. Some urns are decorative and have inscriptions or reliefs; others are plain for a minimalist memorial. Caps or lids may be screw-on, cork, or removable.

Urns have a long history in many civilizations. In Europe, the Urnfield culture (roughly 1300–750 BCE) used cremation and urn burials, giving the modern term its archaeological association. In other cultures, ceramic or metal urns have been part of funerary rites for centuries.

Modern regulations govern how ashes may be stored, scattered, or interred, varying by country and locality. Memorial practices around urns continue to evolve with new technologies and eco-friendly materials, reflecting diverse wishes of families and communities.