What’s Old Is New Again: Willow Coffins, Tradition, and Revival in Ireland Today

Abstract: This article is drawn from a broader research project exploring Irish wakes, funerals, and the specialists who make these rites of passage possible. My thanks go first to the many undertakers, embalmers, gravediggers, coffin makers, monument carvers, crematorium operators, clergy, and civil and humanist celebrants across Ireland who have taken the time to speak with me and let me observe them in action. This article would not have been possible without the perspectives and patience of Colin Mc Ateer, Martin Boyle, Harry McGrenaghan, and Tiernan Roulston. I offer special thanks to them and also to Reverend Jo Mc Ateer, Olivia Owens, Jason Baird Jackson, Emily Bianchi, Fionnán Mac Gabhann, and Ryan Lash for multiple insights and forms of assistance. Except where noted, the photos are by the author.