Why Cremation is Becoming More Popular
Our Changing Economy and Culture Have Made a Big Difference in Cremation Rates
Nearly half of all Americans have chosen cremation rather than a traditional burial for themselves or their family members. This is a sharp rise from 1975, when only 6% of the population was cremated.
Several things have contributed to the rise, but probably the most important one is cultural change. The population in the United States has become more diversified, with ethnic groups of various kinds influencing public opinion in all areas, including methods of burial. Still the major religion, Christianity now also accepts cremation; something neither Protestants nor Catholics were comfortable with in the past.
Another cultural change that has affected funerals is that of "busyness." With each day crammed with activities, people in general no longer want to take the time for much ceremony. With cremation, one can choose a traditional ceremony or not and there are no grave side rites either way.
Cremations are less expensive than traditional burials by several thousand dollars. In the economic climate of today, that's an important factor. For those who pay ahead for their own deaths as well as for families where the funeral was not prepaid, the price can be critical. The remains of a cremated body is traditionally put into an urn or other container that simply sets on a shelf. Often the contents are scattered in an area that is meaningful to the family. There are no costs after the initial cost of the container and no laws regarding where the ashes may be spread, so this is a good option for many.
Another factor is that many cities are not offering new cemeteries. Cutting costs wherever they can, cities are refusing to buy more land for the purpose of creating cemeteries. Old cemeteries are filling to capacity and available burial plots are becoming scarce at any price. Some states allow burial on private property, but one has to meet certain criteria and not everyone can, so the only practical answer for many people is cremation.
With all these things in mind, it seems a natural outcome to find ways other than traditional burial, and cremation is, at the moment, the simplest, most practical and least expensive. Although death and funerals are very emotional, making a good, practical decision ahead of time will make things less stressful. Cremation is that choice for nearly half the people in the United States.
Several things have contributed to the rise, but probably the most important one is cultural change. The population in the United States has become more diversified, with ethnic groups of various kinds influencing public opinion in all areas, including methods of burial. Still the major religion, Christianity now also accepts cremation; something neither Protestants nor Catholics were comfortable with in the past.
Another cultural change that has affected funerals is that of "busyness." With each day crammed with activities, people in general no longer want to take the time for much ceremony. With cremation, one can choose a traditional ceremony or not and there are no grave side rites either way.
Cremations are less expensive than traditional burials by several thousand dollars. In the economic climate of today, that's an important factor. For those who pay ahead for their own deaths as well as for families where the funeral was not prepaid, the price can be critical. The remains of a cremated body is traditionally put into an urn or other container that simply sets on a shelf. Often the contents are scattered in an area that is meaningful to the family. There are no costs after the initial cost of the container and no laws regarding where the ashes may be spread, so this is a good option for many.
Another factor is that many cities are not offering new cemeteries. Cutting costs wherever they can, cities are refusing to buy more land for the purpose of creating cemeteries. Old cemeteries are filling to capacity and available burial plots are becoming scarce at any price. Some states allow burial on private property, but one has to meet certain criteria and not everyone can, so the only practical answer for many people is cremation.
With all these things in mind, it seems a natural outcome to find ways other than traditional burial, and cremation is, at the moment, the simplest, most practical and least expensive. Although death and funerals are very emotional, making a good, practical decision ahead of time will make things less stressful. Cremation is that choice for nearly half the people in the United States.
Published by Pat Veretto
I grew up the oldest of eight kids on a ranch in Wyoming. The highlight of those years was a blue ribbon at the county fair on a book of poetry and I've been writing ever since. I'm the mother of three grown... View profile
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4 Comments
Post a CommentThese days it is a very practical way to go!
1hopefulman
My dad has no life insurance and no money so when he goes we might have to go for the cremation option. I don't really want to but that may be all we can afford.
Thank you. The cost of burial is an important factor, I agree.
Very good article and so true...however, the biggest factor that I have found with those opting for cremation has been the almost prohibitive costs of burials. And this is a crucial determination...however, when my time comes, put me 6 ft. under....good writing Pat.