The unusual things Glaswegians want in their coffins according to funeral directors

A Chinese takeaway, a false leg and a Wizard of Oz costume have been revealed as some of the most unique items Glaswegians have asked to be buried with, according to the UK’s largest report into funeral trends.

Others have also ask for a mobile phone, a torch and an alarm button.
The report is based on insight from Co-Op's funeral directors from over 500,000 funerals conducted in the last five years and the views of 1,000 adults in Glasgow. It revealed the most unique things people have asked to be buried with and highlights future expectations when it comes to coffin keepsakes.

Judging by the looks of it, it's clear that what lies beside people in their final resting place is important.  
Despite the fact that almost half (46%) of people have given their funeral not very much or no thought at all, a fifth (22%) of people have already made decisions about what they would want placed inside their coffin when their time does come.
Almost half (49%) would choose photographs, over a quarter (27%) would want a teddy bear and over a fifth (22%) would choose jewellery.
Almost a fifth (17%) would opt for letters, over a tenth (13%) would choose a book and a further tenth (12%) would want a bottle of their favourite tipple.


Top 20 most unusual items Co-op’s been asked to place inside a coffin
1.       Chinese takeaway
2.       A false leg
3.       A mobile phone
4.       Wizard of Oz costume
5.       A violin
6.       A pair of clown shoes
7.       A set of skis
8.       Argos catalogue
9.       Guitar
10.   Pork pie
11.   A scone, cream and jam
12.   Toffee crisp
13.   Broomstick
14.   An autographed tennis ball
15.   Dustpan and brush
16.   Playing cards
17.   Fishing rod
18.   Half a bar of chocolate
19.   A wedding dress
20.   A Russian doll
Items Glaswegians would want beside them in their coffins are as follows:• Half (49%) would choose photographs
• A quarter (27%) want a teddy bear
• A fifth (22%) want jewellery
• Almost a fifth (17%) want letters
• Over a tenth (13%) would want a book
• A tenth (12%) would choose a bottle of their favourite tipple
• A tenth (9%) want a mobile phone within their reach
• A tenth (8%) would want their glasses
• Whilst 6% would want a torch close by


Michael McCready, Director of Funerals at the Co-op said: "Placing items inside coffins dates back centuries, but what we’re seeing now is a shift in more people choosing exactly which personal items they want to be buried with.
"Sometimes, those items are sentimental to the deceased such as love letters, photographs and wedding rings."  
"Others choose items specifically to make people laugh such as a Chinese takeaway, it can be a real talking point for those left behind."
Full article ca be found here

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