Memorial Grove
Types of Memorial Groves
Finnish cemeteries offer two types of memorial groves. In an anonymous memorial grove, ashes are placed in a communal area without any personal marking. The exact placement location is not disclosed to the family, and the entire area serves as a shared place of remembrance. In a named memorial grove, the deceased's name and years of birth and death are engraved on a shared memorial board, stone, or name plaque. Both options are dignified ways to honour the memory of the deceased.
How It Works in Practice
Memorial grove placement is arranged with the cemetery operator after cremation. The ashes are placed in a biodegradable urn, which cemetery staff inter at the agreed-upon time. Family members may be present during the placement if they wish. Under Section 17 of the Burial Act (457/2003), ashes must be placed within one year of cremation, and this applies to memorial grove placement as well.
A blessing ceremony is usually held before cremation in a chapel or church. A brief moment of silence or prayer may also be held in connection with the memorial grove placement, if the family so wishes.
Costs and Maintenance
The memorial grove is the most affordable burial option in Finland. The fee for an anonymous memorial grove ranges from 50 to 200 euros, and the cost of a named memorial grove including engraving is 150 to 500 euros. The most significant financial advantage is freedom from maintenance: the parish or municipality is fully responsible for maintaining the memorial grove area, and the family incurs no annual maintenance fees or obligations.
Growing Popularity
The popularity of memorial groves has grown steadily in Finland over recent decades. This growth is linked to the increasing prevalence of cremation, internal migration, and the desire to avoid the maintenance obligation associated with burial rights. Memorial groves are particularly suitable for situations where family members live far from the cemetery or the deceased has no close relatives. It is also an ecological choice, as the area remains a natural park-like environment without individual grave structures.
Family members may visit the memorial grove freely and leave flowers or candles in accordance with cemetery rules.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between an anonymous and a named memorial grove?
In an anonymous memorial grove, ashes are placed in a communal area without any personal marking, and the exact location is not disclosed to the family. In a named memorial grove, the deceased's name and years of birth and death are engraved on a shared memorial board or stone, giving family members a specific place for remembrance.
Who maintains the memorial grove?
The memorial grove is maintained by the cemetery operator, usually the parish or municipal burial services. The family has no maintenance obligation, which is one of the most significant advantages of a memorial grove compared to a traditional grave plot.
How much does memorial grove placement cost?
An anonymous memorial grove fee is typically 50–200 euros. For a named memorial grove, there is an additional engraving fee of approximately 100–300 euros. The total cost is considerably less than casket burial or an urn grave.
Related terms
A burial method where the deceased is cremated in a crematorium furnace. Ashes are placed in an urn grave, memorial grove, or scattered.
A post-cremation burial method where the urn containing ashes is placed in a grave or columbarium niche.
A facility where cremation of the deceased is carried out. Finland has approximately 20 crematoria.
The right to use a specific grave plot at a cemetery. The lease period is typically 15–25 years.
Read also
Memorial grove as a burial option in Finland: named and unnamed memorial groves, costs, and practices. A guide to choosing a memorial grove.
Cremation in Finland: the process, ash placement options, legislation, and costs. A comprehensive guide to cremation and urn burial.
Eco-burial options in Finland: memorial groves, biodegradable coffins, eco-urns, carbon footprint, and nature-friendly funeral choices. A comprehensive guide.