A vault is a container used in cemeteries. It goes into the ground and holds a casket. It is usually made of concrete, stone, or metal. Vaults protect caskets from the weight of the earth and help keep the ground from sinking.
What Is a Vault Made Of?
Most vaults are made of concrete. Some have a plastic or metal lining. In France, many older cemeteries use stone vaults, called caveaux. These are common in Paris, Lyon, and other cities. A vault keeps the casket dry and helps preserve it longer.
Why Are Vaults Used?
Vaults are used for many reasons:
-
They stop the ground from sinking in over time.
-
They protect the casket from rain and soil.
-
They keep the cemetery neat and safe for visitors.
-
In some places, it is the law to use a vault.
In the U.S., about 60% of cemeteries require a vault. In France, vaults are also common in family plots. A family might use one vault for many burials over time.
Examples From Other Countries
In Canada, vaults are used in cities like Montréal. In Italy, above-ground family crypts are popular, and they also act like vaults. In Japan, some families use urn vaults for ashes.
Each place has its own rules. But the goal is the same—to protect the grave and give the family peace.
caveaux
Facts and History
Vaults have been used for hundreds of years. The oldest known burial vaults in France are from the 1700s. Some people think vaults are only for the rich. But many cemeteries offer low-cost options.
Some cemeteries offer:
-
Basic concrete vaults (B.C.V.)
-
Metal-lined vaults (M.L.V.)
-
Double-depth vaults (D.D.V.)
-
Urn burial vaults (U.B.V.)
-
Family vaults (F.V.)
-
Burial chamber vaults (B.C.V.)
-
Protective vaults (P.V.)
-
Traditional vaults (T.V.)
-
Eco-vaults (E.V.)
-
Sealed burial vaults (S.B.V.)
Vaults are not just about rules. They are about respect. They help people honor the dead. They also help the living remember their loved ones with care.
Final Thought
Vaults are part of many burial traditions. They protect the body, keep cemeteries safe, and support family memory. Whether in France or elsewhere, they help us say goodbye with dignity and love.
By Cnmonument