Cremation vs Burial: Which Should You Choose?

When faced with the dilemmas of death, an increasingly common decision that people must make is cremation vs burial. Which method should you choose? It should not be a "versus" decision, since there are equally strong arguments for both methods. Rather, you should make the decision based on your personal and family emotional, spiritual and economic situation.

Advantages of Cremation

Cremation is becoming an increasingly popular way of handling the death of a loved one. Since the early 1900s, the numbers of cremations in the United States alone have risen from a mere handful to over 500,000 in 2009. This represents nearly a third of all deaths in the U.S. in that year. It is a growing trend, too. There are several reasons for this, some of which include the following:

• Cremations are cost effective
• Cremation reflects a change in our religious and spiritual views and values
• Public awareness and education about cremation has grown
• Cremation is more acceptable than in the past
• Cremation is seen as a 'green' and hygienic solution
• Cremation offers more flexibility than burial

The costs of burial are far higher than those associated with cremation. Burial costs include embalming, a casket, the burial plot and other related costs. Aside from the cost of the cremation itself, other costs are entirely optional with cremation. The cremated remains are delivered in a plain cardboard or plastic container, but in lieu of a coffin, you can choose to have them stored in a cremation urn that can cost anywhere from under $50 to as much as $500 or more. It is legal to keep the remains in the home or bury them on private property or elsewhere, with permission.

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The U.S. and other Western cultures are embracing a much wider range of religious and spiritual traditions. Many of these traditions, such as Hinduism and Buddhism, traditionally cremate their dead. As cremation becomes more widely practiced, the public at large has become more accepting of it, especially since the "green revolution." It is seen as an environmentally friendly and hygienic solution. Additionally, the cremated remains of an individual can be scattered or cheaply transported to any destination - giving a great range of options for storage or disposal.

Advantages of Burial

The traditional burial has deep roots in Western culture. Many of our religious and cultural values stem from our common Judaeo-Christian background. Both the Old and New Testaments have strict injunctions against cremation. While many church leaders now take a more liberal and historical view of those Biblical injunctions, many other churches continue to take them literally.

Regardless of one's religious affiliation, burial remains a deeply symbolic gesture. The fact that the body of the deceased is respectfully buried in the ground and its presence marked with a gravestone or other permanent marker stands as a lasting reminder of their presence when alive. A walk through an old cemetery brings this fact home. When you see a modest gravestone with the birth and death dates of someone who lived in the 19th century, you can't help but ponder their life, even if they are unknown to you.

A burial service is by its nature a more elaborate affair than a cremation service. The body of the deceased must be handled with care, all the way from the church or funeral home service to the cemetery. An open casket allows family and friends to view the deceased one last time before the casket is ceremoniously closed and sealed.

The funeral party follows the casket as it makes its way slowly to the burial grounds, where a further ceremony is held. This is an occasion that is never forgotten.

In the West, families are rarely divided over the issue of cremation vs burial when burial is the choice. This is because burial is traditional in our society, while cremation is still a new concept to many. If large numbers of family, extended family and friends are going to be attending the funeral, burial may be the better choice of funeral services.

When you face the choice between burial and cremation, remember that each of them has its practical and spiritual advantages. Weigh both of these in the balance and consider the last wishes of the deceased as well. You will know in your heart which is the right decision for you. This, rather than any outside considerations, is the best voice to listen to. Remember, it is not a matter of "cremation vs burial," it is a matter of the heart.