A Brief History of Urns: From Ancient Traditions to Modern Memorials

Urns have a unique history as vessels for human and animal remains, tracing back thousands of years to ancient civilizations. While today’s use of urns is most commonly associated with cremation and aquamation, their roots extend to diverse cultures, each shaping the contemporary landscape of urns as a primary vessel for honoring the deceased. Eternal Tides will offer urns as options for clients, but we are always looking for local collaborators and artists to help continue updating the perspectives on aftercare.

One of the earliest known uses of urns dates back to the Bronze Age (3300-1200 BCE), where archaeological findings reveal that people from ancient China, Greece, and Rome used urns to hold cremated remains. In ancient Greece, urns, or lekythos, were used in funeral rites and often adorned with depictions of mourning scenes or mythological stories (Garland, 2001). The Greeks believed that cremation released the soul from the body, and urns served as sacred vessels to house the spirit.

Similarly, in ancient Rome, cremation was a common practice, especially among the upper class, with remains stored in ornately decorated urns placed within family tombs. Roman urns were often made of materials like marble and bronze, symbolizing the social status of the deceased (Toynbee, 1996). As Christianity spread throughout the Roman Empire, the practice of cremation declined, but the tradition of memorial urns persisted in various forms.

In the contemporary landscape, the urn has undergone a transformation, evolving into a vessel for both practical and emotional purposes. With the rise of environmental awareness and alternative aftercare methods like aquamation, urns now cater to diverse needs and beliefs. Biodegradable urns, for example, are increasingly popular among eco-conscious families who wish to minimize their environmental impact (Funeral Consumer Alliance, 2018). These urns represent not only a reverence for tradition but also an adaptation to modern values.

Today, whether crafted from marble, wood, or biodegradable materials, urns continue to reflect the legacy of ancient customs while offering families a meaningful way to honor their loved ones.

References

Funeral Consumer Alliance. (2018). Guide to greener funerals. Funeral Consumers Alliance.

Garland, R. (2001). The Greek way of death. Cornell University Press.

Toynbee, J. M. C. (1996). Death and burial in the Roman world. Johns Hopkins University Press.​⬤