Objects that should not be placed in a coffin according to religious beliefs and spiritual traditions.

2) Jewelry, rings, chains, and valuables

Many want their loved one to “look good” or to depart with what they loved. But gold is useless to the soul, and for the living, it can become a false notion: that the value of farewell lies in objects.

There’s an even more delicate point: if the person had a strong attachment to their belongings, reminding them of this in their final moments can become a final emotional burden.

3) Personal objects that represent attachments

Keys, glasses, diaries, letters, saved photos, watches, cell phones… even today, some people place phones or tablets.

Each object speaks volumes. For example:

Keys: “It’s still your home”

Planner: “You still have unfinished business”

Cell phone: “You’re still connected to things here”

A Christian farewell seeks the opposite: surrender, let go, trust.

4) Food and drink (bread, sweets, alcohol)

This is another gesture born from ancient beliefs: that “there” one is hungry or thirsty just like here.

But the soul is not nourished by food. It is sustained, through faith, prayer, God’s mercy, and love expressed in good works.

The most serious thing is when alcohol is given to someone who has struggled with addiction. It’s like leaving them a reminder of their wound at the moment when they most need release.

5) Photos of living people

This is extremely important. Photos of children, grandchildren, partners, or living relatives should not be included.

Beyond popular opinion, the main problem is spiritual: the photo is used as an “emotional amulet,” as a “magical” gesture to elicit something (“that it protects him/her,” “that he/she doesn’t forget me,” “that he/she watches over me”).

And faith is not based on magic or symbolic shortcuts, but on prayer and trust.