Memorial Grove as an Option
· 2 min read
What is a memorial grove
A memorial grove is a shared area at a cemetery where the ashes of cremated deceased are placed. It is an alternative to a traditional urn grave or casket burial. A memorial grove is usually a park-like, beautifully maintained area where ashes are buried in a biodegradable urn or scattered directly into the ground. Memorial groves are located at cemeteries maintained by parishes and municipalities. The popularity of memorial groves has steadily grown in Finland.
Unnamed and named memorial grove
In an unnamed memorial grove, ashes are placed in a shared area without any marking of the deceased's name. The family is not informed of the exact placement location. In a named memorial grove, the deceased's name and years of life are engraved on a shared memorial plaque or stone. A named memorial grove provides the family with a concrete place for remembrance. The choice between unnamed and named is personal, and both are equally valued options.
Memorial grove practices
Ash placement in a memorial grove is arranged with the parish or municipal burial office. Placement is usually carried out by the cemetery staff at an agreed time. The family may be present at the moment of placement if they wish. A blessing ceremony is typically held before the cremation at a chapel or church. Memorial grove placement must be completed within one year of cremation, in accordance with Section 17 of the Burial Act (457/2003).
Costs
Memorial grove placement is the most affordable burial option. The fee for an unnamed memorial grove is EUR 50–200. A named memorial grove with engraving costs EUR 150–500. There are no ongoing maintenance fees for memorial grove placement, as the cemetery staff maintain the area. This is a significant advantage compared to a traditional burial plot, which requires regular maintenance and a possible maintenance contract.
Memorial grove and remembrance
Although a memorial grove has no individual grave, the family can remember the deceased in many ways. The memorial grove area can be freely visited, and flowers and candles may be left according to the cemetery's rules. A memorial bench or a donation for the memorial grove are ways to honour the deceased's memory. Remembrance is not tied to a place, and many family members find the memorial grove a calming and beautiful environment for reflection.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between an unnamed and a named memorial grove?
In an unnamed memorial grove, ashes are placed in a shared area without any personal marking. The deceased's name is not recorded anywhere, and the exact placement is not disclosed to the family. In a named memorial grove, the deceased's name and years of life are engraved on a shared memorial plaque or stone. A named memorial grove is slightly more expensive because an engraving fee is charged separately. Both are dignified and common ways to remember the deceased.
How much does memorial grove placement cost?
Memorial grove placement is the most affordable form of burial. The fee for an unnamed memorial grove is typically EUR 50–200. A named memorial grove adds an engraving fee, usually EUR 100–300. The total cost is considerably lower than casket burial or an urn grave. No separate headstone or burial plot is needed, which also saves significantly on long-term maintenance costs.
Can you visit the memorial grove to remember the deceased?
Yes, you can freely visit the memorial grove to remember the deceased. The memorial grove area is usually a beautifully maintained park-like setting at the cemetery. In an unnamed memorial grove, the exact placement is not known, but you can still visit and leave flowers in the shared area. In a named memorial grove, the deceased's name can be found on the memorial plaque. Candles and flowers may be left according to the cemetery's guidelines.
Is a memorial grove suitable for everyone?
A memorial grove is suitable for anyone who wishes for a simple and affordable burial. It is especially popular among those who do not want to impose a grave maintenance obligation on their family. A memorial grove is also well suited to situations where the deceased has no close relatives or the family lives far away. Religious beliefs do not prevent choosing a memorial grove, as a church blessing can be performed before the cremation and memorial grove placement.
Who decides on memorial grove placement?
The decision on memorial grove placement is made primarily by the next of kin, taking into account any wishes the deceased may have expressed. If the deceased expressed a wish for memorial grove placement during their lifetime, the family should respect that wish in accordance with Section 2 of the Burial Act (457/2003). The deceased's wishes may be expressed verbally, in a will, or in another document. If there are no clear wishes, the family makes the decision together.
Read also
Cremation in Finland: the process, ash placement options, legislation, and costs. A comprehensive guide to cremation and urn burial.
Choosing a cemetery and burial plot: parish cemeteries, municipal cemeteries, prices, and practices. A guide to reserving a burial plot.
Ecological burial in Finland: natural caskets, biodegradable urns, nature burials, and environmentally friendly options. A comprehensive guide.