Cremation and Burial

Cremation and burial are two prevalent methods of laying a loved one to rest. This article will provide detailed information about these two important funeral rites to help you make an informed decision that respects your loved one's wishes and beliefs.

Understanding Cremation and Burial

Cremation and burial serve the same purpose - they’re about giving a respected and proper send-off to a loved one who’s passed on. However, they're fundamentally different processes, each with their own merits and drawbacks.

Cremation

Cremation is the process of exposing the remains of a deceased to high heat in a special cremation chamber. The heat evaporates water and burns away organic matter, leaving only bone fragments that are often ground to a fine white powder, referred to as ashes.

Cremation offers several advantages:

• Environmental impact: Cremation has a lower environmental footprint compared to traditional burial.
• Flexibility: The ashes can be stored, scattered in a cherished location, or used in various memorabilia. This can offer a sense of close connection to the departed.
• Cost: Typically, cremation services are less costly than burial.

Burial

A traditional burial involves placing a body in a coffin or casket and interring it in a grave. This method is often preferred for religious or cultural reasons, or for its symbolic aspects of a final resting place.

Some advantages of a burial include:

• Tangible site: A grave provides a permanent site where family and friends can visit to remember their loved one.
• Traditional: Burial is often seen as a more conventional and respectful method of handling a loved one’s remains.

Cremation and Burial Example:

Let’s consider a scenario potentially faced by many families. Assume that John, the patriarch of his family and a staunch believer in traditional methods, has passed away. His wishes were to have a traditional burial, which the family respects and follows.

When Jane, John's environmentally-conscious daughter, passes away, she has stipulated her remains be cremated. Her family honors her wish, and with the ashes, they create beautiful memorial pendants for all family members, ensuring Jane's wish of being kept close to each of them is achieved.

Understanding the processes, merits, and setbacks of cremation and burial is essential in the difficult time of losing a loved one. Whatever choice is made, the key thing is to respect the wishes of the departed and to remember them in a manner that feels meaningful to you.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is cremation?

Cremation is the process of reducing a body to its basic elements by exposing it to intense heat. The result is typically a small amount of bone fragments and ashes, which can be kept in an urn, scattered, or buried.

How does cremation work?

The cremation process involves placing the deceased's body in a specially designed furnace known as a cremation chamber or retort. The body is subjected to temperatures ranging from 1400 to 1800 degrees Fahrenheit, which reduces it to ashes over a period of several hours.

What is burial?

Burial is the act of placing a body in the ground, a tomb, or a crypt as a method of body disposition. It can be done with a casket or shroud and can be accompanied by a ceremony or service.

Is cremation more environmentally friendly than burial?

There's a popular belief that cremation is more environmentally friendly than traditional burial, mainly because it does not involve embalming chemicals or using land space. However, it does consume fossil fuels and releases emissions into the atmosphere. Green burials, which avoid toxic chemicals and non-biodegradable materials, offer an eco-friendly alternative.

Can I have a funeral service with cremation?

Yes, you can have a traditional funeral service before or after cremation. Many families choose to have a ceremony with the urn present after the cremation process.

What happens to the ashes after cremation?

After cremation, the ashes can be returned to the family, scattered in a meaningful place, buried in a cemetery, or housed in a columbarium niche.

Are burials more expensive than cremations?

Generally, cremations are less expensive than burials because they typically do not involve expenses like a burial plot, headstone, or casket. However, cost can vary widely depending on additional services and choices made by the family.

How do I choose between cremation and burial?

Choosing between cremation and burial is a personal decision often guided by religious beliefs, cultural practices, personal preferences, environmental concerns, and financial considerations. Families should discuss these factors together to make the choice that's right for them.

Can I be present during the cremation?

Most crematories allow for family members to be present during the cremation process if they wish, though policies can vary. It's essential to discuss this with the cremation provider.

What is direct cremation?

Direct cremation refers to the cremation of the body without a preceding funeral service. It is the simplest and often the most economical cremation option.

What are green burials?

Green burials are eco-friendly burials that do not use embalming fluids, metal caskets, or concrete vaults. Instead, the body is buried in a biodegradable container or shroud to allow for natural decomposition.

Can religious scripture be included in a cremation service?

Yes, religious scriptures or rituals can be included in a cremation service just as they would be in a traditional burial service. It's important to communicate any religious requirements to the funeral service provider.

Is embalming necessary for burial or cremation?

Embalming is not typically required for cremation and is only necessary for burial if there will be an open-casket viewing or if transportation of the body is involved. Each state's laws vary, so check local regulations.

Are there restrictions on where ashes can be scattered?

Yes, there can be legal restrictions on scattering ashes depending on the location. It's best to check local regulations and obtain necessary permissions when considering scattering ashes.

How long does the cremation process take?

The cremation process typically takes two to three hours, but the entire process, including paperwork and cooling time, can take up to a few days.

Can the family participate in a burial service?

Yes, family members can play active roles in burial services, from delivering eulogies to serving as pallbearers. Participation can be an essential part of the grieving process.

Is it possible to personalize a cremation service?

Just like burial services, cremation services can be personalized to reflect the life and preferences of the deceased. This can include the type of urn, the location and format of the service, and any special tributes or memorials.

What are the typical costs associated with burial?

Typical burial costs can include the purchase of a casket, burial plot, headstone, grave marker, grave opening and closing fees, and funeral service fees. Costs will vary widely based on location, cemetery, and personal choices.

Can I pre-plan my cremation or burial?

Yes, many people choose to pre-plan their cremation or burial, which can involve pre-paying and making all the necessary arrangements in advance. This often helps alleviate the burden on family members during a time of grief.

What is a columbarium?

A columbarium is a structure designed for the storage of urns holding cremated remains. It typically consists of small niches, which can be indoor or outdoor, where families can place urns for permanent memorialization.

How sustainable are the practices involved in green burials?

Green burial practices are designed to be as sustainable as possible, minimizing the environmental impact by foregoing embalming, using biodegradable materials, and sometimes facilitating the restoration of native ecosystems through the burial process.

We invite you to share this post to enlighten others who may be undergoing the same difficult choices. Feel free to explore more of our guides on Eulogy Assistant for further advice and resources.