The debate between cremation and burial has been ongoing for many years. While many people have preferred burial in the past, cremation is increasingly becoming popular around the world. In the United States, 2015 saw the highest number of people being cremated. But why are many people abandoning burial over cremation?
Different people have different reasons for doing things. Some are guided by their traditions while others choose cremation for various reasons. But there are common reasons that have attracted many people in the country to start cremating their loved ones.
1. Flexibility
When it comes to burial, your loved one is either interred below the ground or in a mausoleum above the ground. But with cremation, you have several options as to what can be done with the ashes of your loved one.
You have the choice to either store them in an urn, scatter them, blast them as part of fireworks, mix them into the ink of a tattoo, and hold a small portion in memorial jewelry among many other options. In other words, you are not restricted on how to dispose of the remains of your loved one.
2. Simplicity
A traditional burial can be so complicated. It takes a lot of planning because of the large number of people who often attend. There are also many rites involved. This is contrary to cremation which is more of a memorial service and celebration of life.
There are many things involved in a traditional burial like gathering pallbearers, organizing a church service, coordinating with the cemetery, speeches, and many more. Cremations are much simpler because they are more focused on what you want rather than the common rituals.
3. Environmental Concerns
Cremation is considered environmentally friendly compared to burial. In most cases, harsh chemicals are used to embalm the diseased before they are buried. This is unlike burial where the diseased is placed in a coffin before being buried.
Coffins are usually made from wood that involves cutting down of trees. Additionally, burial plots occupy space land space and disturb the earth. Although crematories also release emissions into the air, new technology is being developed to minimize the amount of impact.
4. You Save Money in Cremation as Opposed to Burial
To a large extent, cremation is less expensive compared to burial. Think of how much it takes to conduct various activities during a burial. There’s purchasing of a coffin, buying food, transporting the body to and from the mortuary, preparing the graveyard, and many other activities.
At the end of the day, you will end up spending a substantial amount of money for the burial. But with cremation, the body is taken straight to a crematorium and happens within a very short time.
In a nutshell, there are many hidden benefits of choosing cremation over burial. Times have changed and many people are starting to embrace cremation unlike before. Cremation is simple, less expensive, environmentally friendly, and flexible among other benefits.
