Everybody’s worst nightmare is losing a loved one. We feel a gap in our hearts knowing that they will no longer be with us. That is why we desire a continual reminder of them to remind us that they are still with us. That is why cremation has become a common method of preserving our loved ones’ remains and ashes.
Cremation is a relatively new practice now, particularly in the United States, yet it was common in Europe throughout the early Stone Age, circa 3,000 BC.
What makes people prefer cremation to burial?
There are three key reasons why cremation has become the preferred method of burying our loved ones’ remains.
1. Lower cost – Cremation is affordable. According to californiacremationcenters.com, a dignified cremation costs from $695, while traditional burial costs around $2500 depending on add-ons and other services you include. A grave and headstone are no longer required. An urn is much cheaper than a casket. But you should also keep in mind that cremation is only one form of burial that you or your family choose for your deceased loved one. You can still hold a wake/visitation/ceremony if you wish. However, the cost of this is separate. A cremation costs about a third of what traditional burial costs.
2. For the sake of the environment – traditional burial practices are considered harmful to the environment. They take up a lot of space in the ground and often contain hundreds of thousands of chemicals used for embalming, most of which are not disposed of properly.
Although cremation is also blamed for the increase in carbon monoxide in the air, which comes from the exhaust of the incinerators, it is still considered “greener” and “more environmentally friendly.”
In addition, burying or scattering the ashes of a loved one is a very quiet and peaceful experience. Whether they are scattered in the ground, in the woods, or in the ocean, this process allows the ashes to merge with nature, providing nutrients for the tree.
Traditional burial focuses on preserving and protecting the body separated from the earth, while cremation returns the ashes to the earth from which they came, protecting nature as well.
3. Flexible service options – traditional burial requires immediate action on the part of the grieving family. From embalming to funeral services to burial, these must be arranged immediately after death, as decomposition will set in even if done properly by a professional embalmer. Also, think about the family members who are out of town and need to attend the funeral service. This is stressful and inconvenient.
Cremation, on the other hand, has no urgency. After the body is cremated and sealed in an urn. The immediate family can hold a private and intimate ceremony for themselves and later plan a public ceremony for other friends and relatives. This allows the immediate family to focus on their grief first and grieve without dealing with the myriad details of the funeral.
No one is prepared for the sudden death of a loved one. That’s why planning your final resting place is just as important as planning your arrival here on earth. Many funeral and cremation homes, such as California Cremation Center, offer survivors the best cremation and burial products to fit their budget and wishes. This way, you can give your deceased loved one the dignified burial they deserve.