Forget about coffins: Now you can turn into a tree when you die

“Put it back from whence it came.”

That old saying could possibly become the accepted way of putting your loved ones – or yourself – to eternal rest one day.

The Capsula Mundi project was created by designers Anna Citelli and Raoul Bretzel and it involves an organic, biodegradable burial capsule that will allow the deceased to function as nutrients for a tree that will grow out of their remains.

After being placed in the fetal position (how’s that for symbolism?), the deceased is enclosed in the capsule, buried, and a tree seed (or entire tree) is planted right above them.

Image courtesy of aplus
Image courtesy of aplus

From Bored Panda:

The project is currently only a concept because Italian law forbids such burials. If it were allowed to proceed, however, the project’s aim would be to create entire memorial parks full of trees instead of tombstones. And instead of destroying and burying wood for wooden coffins, we would, at the end of our lives, provide sustenance for new trees instead. And indeed, the idea that our loved ones and descendants could visit our tree, care for it and rest in its shade is truly a comforting one.

tree 1 Instead of going to cemeteries to see your loved ones, you’ll visit “sacred forests.” tree 2 Before you die, you can choose which tree you prefer, just like picking out a coffin. tree 3 The people buried in the pods function as nutrients for their tree. tree 4tree 5tree 6tree 7 Featured image courtesy of Bored Panda

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