Cremation is the process of reducing a human body to ashes by exposing it to high temperatures and flames. It is an alternative to traditional burial, which involves placing the body in a casket and burying it in a cemetery or a mausoleum. Cremation has been practiced for thousands of years by different cultures and religions, but it has become more popular in recent decades, especially in the United States.
Here are some of the benefits of choosing cremation for yourself or your loved one.
Cost-effectiveness
One of the main advantages of cremation is that it is usually cheaper than burial. A funeral today can cost thousands of dollars. A cremation, by contrast, generally costs a fraction of the cost of traditional burial. The least-expensive option is typically a "direct cremation" with minimal ceremony.
Cremation eliminates the need for a casket, a headstone, a cemetery plot, and other expenses associated with burial. It also reduces the costs of transportation, embalming, and storage of the body.
However, the cost of cremation can vary depending on the location, the provider, and the services chosen. For example, some people may opt for a cremation with a viewing, a memorial service, or an urn.
Environmental Friendliness
Another advantage of cremation is that it is more environmentally friendly than burial. Cremation reduces the use of land and resources for burial, which can have negative impacts on the ecosystem and biodiversity. Cremation also prevents the decomposition of the body and the release of harmful chemicals into the soil and groundwater.
Some people may even choose to use biodegradable urns or scatter the ashes in natural places to minimize their environmental footprint.
Simplicity
Cremation also offers simplicity and convenience compared to burial. Cremation is a quicker and easier process than burial, which can involve multiple steps and arrangements. Cremation can be done within a few days or weeks after death, while burial may take longer depending on the availability of cemetery space and legal requirements.
Having a body cremated also simplifies the planning and decision-making for surviving family and friends. There are fewer logistics and details to worry about when choosing cremation. Cremation can also be done without any ceremony or service if desired, or it can be combined with other forms of memorialization.
Flexibility
Cremation also provides flexibility and personalization for memorializing the deceased. Cremation allows for different options of what to do with the ashes, such as scattering them in a meaningful place, keeping them in an urn or other container, burying them in a small plot or niche, or dividing them among family members or friends.
You can have more creativity and diversity in how to honor and remember the deceased. For example, you may choose to incorporate the ashes into jewelry, art, tattoos, fireworks, or even diamonds.
To learn more about cremation, schedule a consultation with a funeral director in your local area.
Share18 July 2023
My beloved paternal grandmother passed away almost 4 years ago. Before her death, this special woman suffered many months due to a fatal lung disease. After her passing, her large extended family wanted to celebrate her unique life with an elaborate funeral service. They chose to work with the funeral home staff to decorate the funeral venue with things she loved. Because she enjoyed fishing, a large floral arrangement in the shape of a fish was purchased. Also, the family bought a floral cross to illustrate her devotion to her faith. On this blog, you will discover how to work with a funeral home staff on decorations at the funeral service venue.
