käärinliina

Käärinliina is a Finnish term that translates to "shroud" in English. It refers to a cloth or garment used to wrap a dead body for burial or cremation. Historically, käärinliina was a significant part of funeral customs, varying in material and decoration depending on the time period, social status, and local traditions. Common materials included linen or cotton, and sometimes finer fabrics like silk were used for wealthier individuals. The design could range from a simple plain cloth to elaborately embroidered or patterned textiles.

In modern Finnish funeral practices, while the concept of wrapping the deceased still exists, the term käärinliina might be less commonly used in everyday conversation, with more specific terms for burial garments or cremation wraps sometimes employed. However, the cultural significance of the käärinliina remains, representing a final covering and respect for the departed. The tradition reflects a universal human practice of preparing the body for its final journey, imbued with cultural and religious meanings.