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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