Introduction

1. Plants in funeral ceremonies in Poland and Europe north of the Alps – an introduction

1.1. History of the scientific exploration and description of plants
1.2. Plant symbolism
1.3. The state of research on the subject of plants in medieval and modern burials

2. Transformation of the funeral ceremony in the medieval and modern periods

3. Plants as decoration – flowers, branches, bouquets, wreaths and crowns

3.1. Natural and artificial flowers
3.2. Twigs and sprigs
3.3. Bouquets in burials
3.4. Wreaths and grave crowns

4. Plants as filling materials for pillows, mattresses and coffins

4.1. Straw, hay and herbs as filling for pillows, mattresses, and coffin bottom lining in the Middle Ages
4.2. Wood shavings, sawdust, and common hop in coffin linings and cushions in the medieval and modern periods
4.3. Filling of pillows, mattresses and coffin bottoms in the modern period

5. Edible plants in burials

5.1. Cereals and flour crops
5.2. Fruit in burials

6. A summary of the functions and meanings of plants in funeral ceremonies in Europe north of the Alps in the medieval and modern periods – continuity or change?

Catalogue of burials containing plants

List of sources of figures

Literature