Sea Burial and Special Burials
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Sea burial in Finland
In Finland, sea burial effectively means scattering ashes at sea. Casket burial at sea is not permitted in Finland. Under Section 17 of the Burial Act, ashes may be placed in a location other than a cemetery provided the landowner gives permission and the person placing them takes responsibility. For scattering at sea, no special landowner's permission is needed, as waters are generally public areas. A sea ash burial is a time-honoured way to honour a deceased person who had a special connection to the sea.
Sea burial is typically arranged by boat near the coast.
Military burial
A military burial is a special form of funeral in which the Defence Forces participate in the ceremony. The ceremony includes a guard of honour, the Finnish flag on the casket or urn, a possible gun salute, and a military band. Military burial is arranged for war veterans, soldiers who died in service, and distinguished reserve officers. The family can apply for a military burial from the local garrison. The special arrangements of a military burial do not incur additional costs for the family.
Religious special burials
In Finland, freedom of religion guarantees the right to bury the deceased according to one's own religion and traditions. In Islamic burial, the deceased is buried as quickly as possible, preferably within 24 hours, without cremation, facing Mecca. Some cemeteries have Islamic sections. In Orthodox tradition, burial takes place on the third day after death. In Jewish burial, a simple wooden casket without flowers is used. Hindu tradition favours cremation and scattering ashes in water.
Other special burials
Special burials also include civil funerals without a religious ceremony, natural burials, and memorial tree burials, where a tree is planted alongside the ashes. Some choose a private funeral chapel instead of religious premises. Ashes can also be placed inside a memorial object, such as a glass ornament or diamond. In Finland, there are many burial options, and families can combine different traditions and wishes. Funeral homes are knowledgeable about the practical arrangements and legal requirements of special burials.
Frequently asked questions
Is sea burial permitted in Finland?
In Finland, a casket cannot be buried at sea, but scattering ashes at sea is permitted under Section 17 of the Burial Act (457/2003). Scattering ashes at sea requires the person placing them to take responsibility for permanent placement. The deceased is first cremated at a crematorium in the normal way, and the ashes are then scattered at sea. Sea burial is often arranged from a boat in a separate ceremony. In Finland, no special permit procedure is required for scattering ashes at sea, though notifying the local environmental authority is recommended.
How is a military burial arranged?
A military burial is arranged in cooperation between a Defence Forces representative and the parish. A military burial includes a guard of honour, flag ceremony, possible gun salute, and military music. Military burial is granted to war veterans, soldiers who died in service, and in certain cases to reserve soldiers. A military burial supported by the Defence Forces is applied for from the local garrison or the Defence Forces' church work. The special arrangements of a military burial are free of charge for the family.
Can a funeral be arranged according to another religion in Finland?
Yes. In Finland, freedom of religion also covers funeral arrangements. The Burial Act (457/2003) does not require a Lutheran ceremony, and the funeral can be arranged according to any religion or worldview. Islamic burial requires burial as quickly as possible without cremation, and some cemeteries have Islamic sections. Orthodox burial follows its own traditions. Jewish, Hindu, and Buddhist burials can also be arranged. The funeral home assists in accommodating special needs.
How is a sea ash ceremony practically arranged?
A sea ash ceremony is arranged as a separate event after cremation. The ashes are collected from the crematorium and transported to the sea by boat or vessel. The ashes are scattered into the sea directly from the urn or from a biodegradable urn that floats on the surface and slowly sinks. The ceremony may include a speech, music, the casting of flowers onto the water, and a moment of silence. Close family and friends may attend. Some funeral homes and marine service companies specialise in arranging sea burials.
Read also
Cremation in Finland: the process, ash placement options, legislation, and costs. A comprehensive guide to cremation and urn burial.
How to obtain a burial permit in Finland: who issues it, what documents are needed, and how long the process takes. A clear guide for next of kin.
Burial without a ceremony, or quiet burial: how it is arranged, costs, and who it suits. A guide to quiet burial in Finland.