Envision an egg-shaped pod – an ancient and perfect form made of biodegradable material – where our departed loved ones are placed for burial. This is Capsula Mundi, a cultural and broad-based project which embraces a different approach to the way we think about death. Ashes will be held in small Capsulas; bodies will be laid down in a fetal position in larger pods. The pod will then be buried as a seed in the earth. A tree, chosen in life by the deceased, will be planted on top of it and serve as a memorial for the departed and as a legacy for posterity and the the future of our planet. Family and friends will continue to care for the tree as it grows. Cemeteries will acquire a new look and, instead of the cold grey landscape we see today, they will grow into vibrant woodlands. The project is still in a start-up phase, but encouraged by worldwide enthusiasm for this concept, we are working to make it a reality.
Capsula Mundi can help people change their approach to death. We think that our design will create a cultural shift. For this reason, we decided to use the egg as a secular and universal symbol of life, incorporating the fetal position and tree as inspirations for re-designing the traditional coffin. Our clients are sensitive and eager to talk about death and dying. They always emphasize their appreciation of the profound difference between visiting their deceased loved ones in a forest instead of a cemetery. And they love the idea of giving back to the Earth!
Modern society is far removed from Nature and we lose awareness that death is just a natural passage of our life. We have forgotten that we are part of Nature: the human body is mainly made up of nitrogen, sulfur, phosphorus, calcium, magnesium( in addition to carbon, hydrogen and oxygen,) all indispensable substances for vegetation. Capsula Mundi offers a way we can return to Nature’ s life cycle.
One can choose the tree their remains will feed. We suggest making a choice in respect to the climate zone and the local environment. We have recently asked our audience,“ Which tree would you like to be?” and received so many answers. It feels good to pick a tree instead of a headstone and almost everybody has a“ favorite” tree!
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