‘I Don’t Know Who I Buried’: Families Of Dead Russian Soldiers Not Allowed To Open Coffins
‘I Don’t Know Who I Buried’: Families Of Dead Russian Soldiers Not Allowed To Open Coffins
The families of the Russian soldiers killed in Ukraine are not allowed to open the sealed coffins they receive from the frontline. The relatives say they don’t know if the remains they buried really belonged to their loved ones.
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I think open coffins are quite an American thing. I've not heard of them happening in the UK, but I've also not been to every funeral ever here.
This isn't necessarily about the burial itself but usually there is an opportunity for a relative or relatives to confirm that the body is who is expected. Especially during war, dog tags and other record matching may help but not always. Logistics are complex during war and wounds can make proper identification difficult.
The UK did it mostly in the 20th century till the practice started falling out of favor. Personally never experienced or heard of it irl in the US but its in movies and TV pretty often.
I was at the funeral of an Indian man recently, it was open-casket. It was necessary for the Hindu rites. It's not just an American thing.
Irish man here; I've never been to a funeral that was open casket but I've also never been to a removal that wasn't.
Funeral rites and traditions vary a lot around the world. I don't know the specifics in Russia, but I know in some places traditionally family has played a big part in preparing the body for burial- cleaning it and dressing it and such, . There may also be additional religious rituals and such that would be performed.
But at the very least, I'm pretty sure that almost anywhere in the world would normally give the next of kin che opportunity to see the corpse if just to confirm that it is in fact their relative they're about to bury.
Since the American full funeral family pack includes a $3000 “happy to be here” facial, the open casket is a must.