Urn facts for kids

An urn is a special type of container, often shaped like a vase. It usually has a rounded body, a narrow neck, and a sturdy base called a pedestal. Urns often come with a lid.

People use the word "urn" to describe a container based on what it's used for, not just its shape. For example, a very common type is a funerary urn. These are used in burials to hold the ashes of someone who has been cremated (when a body is burned after death). Sometimes, urns were also placed in graves as grave goods, which are items buried with the dead.

But urns aren't just for burials! Large containers used to serve hot drinks like tea or coffee are often called "tea-urns." Even big, fancy vases used as decorations in gardens or on buildings are called urns.

Ancient Roman urn made from alabaster

Ancient Greek cremation urn around 850 B.C.

What is an Urn?

An urn is a container that can be used for many different things. While many urns look like decorative vases, the word "urn" often tells us more about its purpose than its exact shape. They can be made from many materials, like stone, metal, or clay.

Urns for Remembering People

One of the most well-known uses for urns is in burials. These are called funerary urns.

Holding Ashes

After a person passes away, their body can be cremated. This process turns the body into ashes. A funerary urn is then used to hold these ashes. It's a way for families to keep the remains of their loved ones respectfully.

Grave Goods

In ancient times, people sometimes placed urns in graves even if they didn't hold ashes. These urns were part of what are called grave goods. Grave goods were items buried with the dead, believed to be useful in the afterlife.

Urns as Decorations

Urns are also used as beautiful decorations. You might see them in gardens, parks, or even on top of buildings.

Garden Ornaments

Large, sculpted urns are often placed outdoors in gardens. They add a touch of elegance and history to the landscape. These decorative urns might be made of stone, marble, or metal.

Architectural Decorations

Sometimes, urns are used as architectural ornaments. This means they are part of the design of a building. They can be placed on ledges, pillars, or roofs to make the building look more grand and impressive.

Urns for Drinks

Not all urns are for decoration or burials. Some are very practical!

Tea and Coffee Urns

In catering or at large events, you might see big containers used to serve hot drinks. These are often called "tea-urns" or "coffee-urns." They are designed to keep drinks warm and dispense them easily, even if they look more like metal cylinders than traditional vases.

Images for kids

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  A 1720s oil painting showing a fantasy garden urn.

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  The Derveni Krater, a rare large Ancient Greek bronze vessel that still exists.

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  The The Ashes urn, a famous trophy in cricket.