the receiving vault came into use in parts of the world such as northern europe, northern north america, and far southern south america, where frozen ground made it difficult or impossible to dig graves during the winter months. in such areas, the receiving vault was used to temporarily store bodies until warmer weather permitted digging. receiving vaults were also used as a temporary burial site while an elaborate mausoleum or under ground crypt was being constructed to house the remains. occasionally they were used to temporarily bury the remains of an individual until a decision was made regarding a permanent place of burial, or until the family had the funds to arrange for a permanent place of burial.