shrouds

Shroud is a term with several related meanings. It most commonly denotes a length of cloth used to wrap a body for burial in many cultures. It can also refer to a component of a sailing vessel’s standing rigging—a strong wire rope or rod that supports the mast laterally. The term can be used as a verb meaning to envelop, obscure, or cover something.

Burial shrouds are traditional garments or sheets used to wrap the deceased for burial or rite. They are typically made of plain fabrics such as linen or cotton, though historical and regional variations have used silk, wool, or decorated textiles. Shrouds may be designed for cremation or interment and can carry symbolic or religious significance, reflecting cultural norms, modesty, and notions of dignity in death.

In nautical contexts, shrouds are part of the standing rigging that keeps a sailing ship’s mast in position. They run from the mast to fittings on the deck or hull, often in pairs at different heights (top shrouds and lower shrouds). Shrouds are usually made of wire rope or rod and are kept in tension by turnbuckles or adjusting screws. They are distinct from stays, which carry forward or backward loads. Proper maintenance includes regular inspection for corrosion, fraying, and secure attachment to chainplates and mast step.

Today, shrouds as burial cloths remain a common cultural practice in many regions, while nautical shrouds continue to be essential components of traditional and modern sailing rigs, though some vessels use alternative rigging systems.