In Germany, a Chinese wife discussed funeral arrangements with her husband. She preferred traditional burial, so that their descendants could burn joss paper and offer sacrifices; he, however, chose a sea burial, wishing to have his ashes scattered over the ocean. This conversation revealed profound differences between Eastern and Western perspectives on ash interment.

In a cemetery in central Berlin, I stumbled upon a columbarium designed to resemble a library. Each niche looked like a book—but when pulled out, it revealed an urn space. I was struck by this innovative concept: ash storage could be so artistic and deeply human.

This discovery led me to explore ash interment practices across cultures. From Chinese temple pagodas to church columbaria in Europe, from ancestral totem poles in Africa to modern library-style ash shelves, these structures are more than mere containers—they are emotional bridges between the living and the departed, sanctuaries of memory that transcend cultural boundaries.

01 An Eastern Perspective: Sanctuary of Rest and Heritage

In Chinese culture, ash shelves are often placed in temples or pagodas, symbolizing the eternal rest of the deceased. During traditional festivals like Qingming, families visit to pay respects and express love and remembrance.

The columbarium serves multiple roles in Eastern societies. It is not only a resting place for ashes but also a symbol of the family’s emotional acceptance of loss. In many regions, keeping an ancestor’s ashes at home and displaying them in a dignified shelf is both a custom and a cultural legacy.

The design philosophy differs greatly from that of the West. Traditional Chinese ash shelves often incorporate elements suggesting transcendence—an expression of the Taoist belief in ascending to immortality. Color symbolism is also essential: natural tones like wood grain and beige complement home decor, while darker shades like black and deep brown evoke solemnity and reverence.

02 A Western View: Freedom and Personal Choice

In European Catholic tradition, ash shelves are commonly located in churches or cemeteries, serving as sanctuaries where the deceased can rest in peace. Families attend religious ceremonies and visit on specific holidays to pray for the departed.

In Germany, funeral practices are often free from heavy cultural expectations. While Chinese tradition emphasizes “couples sharing a bed in life and a grave in death,” Germans largely value individual choice. Each person decides their final resting place independently.

Legal and cultural norms also play a role. German law prohibits keeping ashes at home—they must be interred in a private or public cemetery. Beyond that, there is great freedom: burial and cremation are equally common, and sea or tree burials are growing in popularity.

03 Innovation in Design: From Function to Emotion

Modern columbarium design has evolved beyond pure utility into the realms of art and emotional expression. The library-style ash shelf is one example—each urn niche is designed to look like a book, complete with decorative volumes and personal mementos.

Material choices have also diversified. Wooden shelves may use oak or walnut, while metal versions employ stainless steel or aluminum. These are not only aesthetic and durable but also easy to clean and maintain.

Environmental adaptation is another key concern. In outdoor cemeteries, ash shelves must withstand weather and time, making corrosion-resistant metals or stone the preferred materials.

04 Cultural Integration: Global Perspectives on Commemoration

As globalization continues, different cultural views on ash interment are blending and influencing one another. In East Asian countries such as China, Japan, and Korea, the ash hall is a sacred place for remembrance and cultural continuity.

In the West, although ash handling may differ, the columbarium serves a similar purpose—honoring the departed. Many families choose dedicated rooms or family plots where they can regularly pay their respects.

A growing trend is personalization. Modern ash halls increasingly emphasize aesthetic and functional design, incorporating contemporary architecture and materials. They are becoming not only places of memory but also part of the urban cultural landscape.

05 Craft and Art: Creating a Space of warmth and Meaning

The production process directly affects the beauty and durability of ash shelves. High-precision tools ensure perfect welding, and careful polishing guarantees a seamless finish.

The spray-coating process is equally vital. Imported high-temperature equipment ensures complete and even plasticization, resulting in a flawless mirror-like surface.

Even packaging reflects care and respect. Every corner is protected with foam to ensure that each unit arrives intact, regardless of distance or conditions—a metaphor for the dignity owed to the departed and their families.

06Emotional Value: A Universal Language Beyond Culture

Across cultures, one thing remains constant: ash shelves serve as emotional connectors between the living and the dead. In Chinese tradition, they are not just storage spaces—they are vessels of love and remembrance.

During festivals like Qingming or Zhongyuan, families gather before the shelves to offer incense, share stories, and feel a sense of continued connection. These rituals are not only acts of remembrance but also a way of preserving family heritage.

Psychological needs transcend cultural differences. The desire to honor loved ones, maintain family bonds, and uphold traditions is universal. Keeping ashes at home in a well-chosen shelf is one way to show respect and cherish memory.

Back in that library-style columbarium in Berlin, I noticed a small detail: next to each “book” urn was a little booklet containing the life story of the deceased and memories from loved ones.

A staff member told me: “People don’t just come here to mourn. They read the stories of those they lost. Sometimes you even hear laughter—when a funny memory touches them.”

This shift is happening quietly around the world. From Buddhist temples in China to library-style ash halls in Germany, from traditional wooden shelves to contemporary designs, the columbarium is no longer a cold container—it has become a living emotional space that connects life and death, past and present.

It transcends cultural differences and speaks a common language: of remembrance, respect for life, and the timeless need to honor those we have loved.