My Final Wish: Set Me Afloat

The phrase when I die put me in a boat send out evokes the image of a funeral rite in which the deceased is laid in a boat and set adrift, perhaps with their possessions, to be cremated or to drift out to sea. This type of burial at sea is often associated with Viking funeral traditions, where the deceased, usually a warrior, is placed in a boat with their belongings and set aflame, either by shooting a flaming arrow at the sail or through other means. This ritual has been depicted and referenced in various modern media, including songs, films, and literature, reflecting its enduring fascination and symbolic significance.

Burial at sea

A burial at sea is a meaningful way to honour a loved one's final wishes. This type of funeral can be a beautiful and peaceful way to say goodbye, with the sea offering a sense of calm and tranquility. Here are some things to consider and steps to take for a burial at sea:

Planning:

It is important to plan the burial carefully and ensure that all legal requirements are met. Burials at sea are typically permitted in certain designated areas and must follow specific guidelines to protect the environment. Contact the relevant authorities to understand the regulations and obtain any necessary permits.

Choosing a Vessel:

The type of vessel used for the burial can vary depending on personal preferences and local regulations. It can be a simple rowboat, a yacht, or even a purpose-built funeral boat. The vessel should be large enough to accommodate the deceased's body, any mourners who wish to attend, and any necessary crew.

Preparing the Body:

The body of the deceased should be prepared according to local laws and cultural traditions. In some cases, the body may be cremated before being placed in an urn or casket and brought onto the vessel. Alternatively, the body may be prepared for burial and placed in a specially designed biodegradable casket or shroud that will eventually dissolve in the water.

Selecting a Location:

Choose a location that holds significance for the deceased or their loved ones. It could be a place they loved to visit, a favourite holiday spot, or a place with beautiful scenery. Ensure that the location is permitted for burials at sea and that you have the necessary permissions to proceed.

The Ceremony:

On the day of the burial, the vessel will be prepared, and the body will be brought on board. A ceremony may be held, which can include readings, music, and personal tributes. This is a time for mourners to gather, reflect, and celebrate the life of the deceased. After the ceremony, the vessel will set out to the chosen location.

Committal:

At the chosen location, the body will be committed to the sea. This can be done by gently lowering the casket or urn into the water or, in some cases, by lighting the vessel on fire and setting it adrift, similar to a traditional Viking funeral. It is important to ensure that all local regulations are followed regarding the disposal of cremated remains or the use of fire.

After the Burial:

Following the burial, the vessel will return to shore, and any flowers or wreaths may be cast into the sea as a final tribute. A reception or gathering can be held to allow mourners to comfort each other and share memories of the deceased. This can be a time for healing and celebration of the life that was lived.

A burial at sea offers a unique and meaningful way to honour the memory of a loved one. By following these steps and working with experienced professionals, you can ensure that the burial is both respectful and memorable.

Viking funeral

The ship burial was a funeral practice reserved for individuals of high honour. The deceased was laid in a boat, or a stone ship, and given grave offerings in accordance with their status and profession. It was common to leave gifts, known as "grave goods", with the deceased. These could include weapons, jewellery, and even sacrificed slaves. The amount and value of the goods depended on the social group the deceased had belonged to in life. It was important to bury the dead with the correct rites so that they could join the afterlife with the same social standing and avoid becoming a homeless soul that wandered eternally.

The ship, containing the dead and their grave goods, would then be dragged ashore and burnt on a pyre, or the entire boat would be buried without being set on fire. The fire and smoke were believed to help carry the deceased to the afterlife. The Oseberg ship, a 70-foot-long vessel, is one of the most well-preserved Viking funeral ships, honouring two women who likely died around 834 AD.

Despite the popular image of a flaming Viking funeral ship being sent out to sea, this was probably rare due to the cost of building the boats. Instead, the ship would be burnt on dry land, or buried.

In the United States, open-air cremation is only legal in Crestone, Colorado, and only a handful of pyre services are permitted each year, exclusively for Crestone residents.

Boat as a casket

A boat as a casket is a unique way to honour the deceased and offers a meaningful alternative to traditional burial or cremation. This method of disposition is often associated with the Viking funeral, where the deceased is laid in a boat with their belongings and set out to drift at sea.

In popular culture, the idea of a boat as a casket has been explored in various forms, such as in the song "Willow Tree" by Cataldo, where the lyrics mention putting their body "in a boat" and "send it out to sea". Similarly, in the song "Send a Boat" by Chris Knight, the lyrics allude to staying afloat and asking for a boat to be sent.

The boat casket can be customised to reflect the interests and personality of the deceased. For those who loved sailing or had a strong connection to the sea, this method of disposition can be a fitting tribute. The boat can be adorned with flowers, personal mementos, and even lit with a flaming arrow, as is traditionally done in some Viking funeral rituals.

When choosing a boat as a casket, it is important to consider the environmental impact and local regulations. Sustainable materials and non-toxic construction methods can be used to ensure the boat's safe passage out to sea. Additionally, the boat should be properly weighted and equipped to ensure it drifts as intended.

Overall, the boat as a casket offers a unique and personalised way to honour the deceased, combining symbolism and ritual in a meaningful final journey.

Boat as a metaphor

A boat can be a powerful metaphor for a journey, often signifying a transition or a new beginning. In the context of "when I die, put me in a boat and send out," the boat becomes a symbol of final passage, representing the journey from life to death. This interpretation is reinforced by the act of sending the boat out, suggesting a one-way trip to the afterlife.

In literature and popular culture, the image of a boat carrying the dead across water is often associated with funeral rites and the belief in an afterlife. For example, in the lyrics of the song "Willow Tree" by Cataldo, the singer requests that their body be placed in a boat, set on fire, and sent out to sea after death. This can be interpreted as a way to achieve freedom or a sense of peace in death, with the boat acting as a vessel for the soul's transition to the afterlife.

The use of a boat in funeral rituals has historical significance as well. The Vikings, for instance, practiced ship-themed funerals, including cremation aboard a boat or burying an entire ship with the deceased. In modern times, the idea of a boat as a metaphor for death and transition continues to hold cultural significance, as seen in the lyrics of Chris Knight's song "Send a Boat."

The boat as a metaphor also extends beyond the physical act of dying. It can represent a journey through grief, emotional turmoil, or a challenging period in one's life. The image of being adrift in a boat on a vast sea can symbolize feelings of loneliness, uncertainty, or the search for direction.

In conclusion, the boat serves as a powerful metaphor for the journey of life and death, the passage from one state of being to another, and the search for peace or freedom in the face of life's challenges and uncertainties. When someone says, "when I die, put me in a boat and send out," they are invoking this rich symbolism, expressing a desire for a meaningful transition and a sense of closure.

Boat as a pyre

A boat pyre is a type of funeral where the deceased is laid in a boat with their effects and set out to drift at sea. This practice is associated with Viking funerals, where the boat would be lit on fire with a flaming arrow and slowly break up and sink.

In modern times, it is illegal to perform a boat pyre funeral as a fire on a boat is not hot enough to fully cremate a body. The result would be charred corpse chunks washing up on shore. However, one could cremate the body in a conventional way and then put the ashes in a small boat and burn that.

In popular culture, the idea of a boat pyre has been referenced in songs such as "Willow Tree" by Cataldo, where the lyrics mention putting the body "in a boat", lighting it on fire, and "send [ing] it out to sea". Similarly, in the song "Swords in the Wind" by Manowar, the lyrics describe a Viking funeral, asking to be placed "on a ship and burn [t] in the sea".

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