What does a burial vault do?

• A. A burial vault is a lined and sealed outer receptacle that houses the casket, protecting it from the weight of the earth.
• B. A burial vault is decorative and not structural.
• C. A burial vault is used to store ashes above ground.
• D. A burial vault replaces the coffin.

Answer: (A)

A burial vault serves as a protective outer container for the casket during burial. It is lined and sealed to create a sturdy shell that can withstand the weight of the earth above, preventing the casket from being crushed or deformed and helping to keep moisture out. This structural role is why vaults are used. They aren’t simply decorative, and they aren’t used to store ashes above ground (that’s an urn). They also don’t replace the coffin itself—the casket sits inside the vault, which acts as a protective enclosure rather than the container for the remains.