Interesting Facts About Cremation In Modern Times
Posted on: 21 February 2023
Are you making your end-of-life arrangements and examining your options? If so, the topic of cremation may come up. While a lot of people still opt for traditional burial, cremation is now almost just as common, and it is not without reason. Check out a few interesting facts you may not know about cremation as you evaluate what options you prefer when you pass on.
Cremation Is Considered More Earth-Friendly Than Traditional Burial
Cremation is often thought of as a "green" option when it comes to end-of-life arrangements. With a traditional burial, your remains are encapsulated in a casket and then in a vault, and this can take up a lot of ground space. The chemicals used during the embalming process like formaldehyde and coloring agents are also not considered to be good for the environment. With cremation, the process is more natural and the volume of the remains is not as substantial. The cremains can be distributed back onto the ground and are naturally absorbed by the environment without causing interruption or harm.
Some Cities Now Encourage Cremation Instead of Traditional Burial
As noted above, traditional burial requires a lot of space. Unfortunately, some areas in the world are simply running out of adequate space for burial. For example, in Mexico City, where there are over nine million residents, there is a shortage of gravesites available. Therefore, city officials have worked to encourage cremation instead of a traditional burial.
Cremation Is Actually a Long-Held Ancient Practice
A lot of people assume that cremation is a contemporary idea that has only taken hold over the last few decades. However, cremation is not a new idea but a longstanding practice that reaches back for millennia. Scholars have determined that cremation likely came into use as far back as 3,000 B.C. Around the time of the Roman Empire, cremation was actually widely accepted and practiced.
Cremains Are Commonly Spread on Private Property
While there are a lot of different ways to store or preserve cremains, many people simply opt for their ashes to be spread where they were most comfortable in life: at home. Some people make the trek to far-away places to spread their loved one's remains. However, many people state that they prefer for their remains to be spread or buried on their own personal property. Unlike with traditional burial, cremation does not have as many limitations as far as where the cremains can be placed.
Contact a professional to learn more about cremation.
Share