In connection with funeral provisions or the death in the family, the question of the most suitable form of burial often arises. Basically, only two different types – Cremation vs Burial – can be distinguished from each other anyway.
The burial of the deceased is usually in a cemetery in the coffin. This form of burial has been a tradition for centuries but has a slightly downward trend. Cremations, on the other hand, are increasing.
Here the cremation takes place in a crematorium, the burial of the remains can be designed very flexibly and take place through different types of burial.
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How does the cremation process work?
The Cremation Process is a funeral procedure that aims to reduce a body to ashes. For this, the corpse is subjected to 1000 °C in a special oven, dedicated solely to this function. For it to occur, it is necessary that the body remains at least 24 hours in a cold room after obtaining release – from the hospital. This period is required for family members or authorities to have a chance to claim the body, in case of need. After this interval, the corpse is transferred to the crematory chamber. At this stage, all metals that may be in the body, such as jewelry, pacemakers, and watches, are removed, as well as the urn handles, in order to ensure the safety of the process. Combustion lasts 2-3 hours, until the urn and the organic matter dissolve. The family cannot follow any of these steps and will only receive the urn with the ashes at the end of the cremation.
Burial Process
When it is decided with the papers, that a place in the cemetery has been chosen, it is permissible to start the main process. The coffin with the deceased is removed from the hearse and delivered to the burial point. There should be a dug hole two meters long and two meters high. These measurement requirements were established several decades ago and have not changed until today. The only exception is the burial of the urn. It is not required to observe the parameters here, since the ashes are considered an ecological product that does not require long-term decay.
Documentation
- Death certificate
- The passport of the person in charge of the funeral
- Certificate for obtaining a burial place
- Receipt of payment
- For the urn, a certificate of cremation and a certificate issued for the grave are required
When seeking help from a funeral agency, the client can count on the fact that all actions will be performed accurately and without delay. The funeral will be held in accordance with the established norms, without violating the rituals.
Cremation vs Burial: How To Decide Between The Two?
For this, all the issues that were previously addressed need to be taken into account. If you weigh the benefits, you will be able to choose the ones that are most needed by you.
If you prefer not to go through the burial process and witness this moment, the decision is more on the cremation side, for example. However, if you want there to be a place for visitation, tributes, and souvenirs, and this place is traditional, then the decision goes more toward the burial.
Either way, both decisions are great and fulfill very well the role of providing the loved one with the dignity deserved in this moment of condolences.
That way, when the work is done with professionalism, the result is always within what you expect. So, regardless of your choice, rest assured knowing that the best will be done.
How much does cremation cost vs burial?
The costs are not low for those who have a plan and for those who do not have this feature, they tend to be much higher than usual. The truth is: that being prepared for death changes everything! With that in mind, we produced this article to discuss prices and say which of the two techniques, burying or cremating, is cheaper.
The Emotional and Financial Implications of Cremation Vs Burial
When there is a death in a family that does not have the support of an established funeral plan, several bureaucratic procedures that involve price increases may arise. This is due to the lack of support from a company that specializes in this matter.
Below we’ve broken down the pricing information so you can understand which of the two options, burying or cremating, fits your budget best.
A Personal Choice: Exploring the Differences between Cremation and Burial
The value of a complete funeral for those who want to be buried can easily reach the rate of 10 thousand dollars. The justification for this price depends on a series of choices that can be made by family or friends for the composition of the funeral.
The main expenses are included in:
- Coffin
- Ornamentation
- Wake ceremony
- Release from the body
- Payment of fees related to the cemetery and registry office
- Body preparation
- Transfer from the place of death to the place of wake and burial.
Thus, when choosing to bury or cremate, the former stands out as more expensive.
What Does the Bible Say about Cremation?
Unlike the above, cremation services are avoided in many cases because of the existing myth about the cost of the process. Some people believe that the price demanded at the expense of the Burial is much higher, but that is not exactly what happens.
Currently, cremation costs an average of $5000-$7000 for cases where there is a simple ceremony. In the others, which demand more perks at the moments of honor, the cost can rise and surpass the mark of $9000. Thus, it is understood as a cheaper action than burial. After all, the overhead is pretty low.
Therefore, when in doubt about burying or cremating, remember that cremation is cheaper. It is also worth noting that during the coronavirus pandemic, the bodies must be sent for cremation.
The main expenses that cause the price to vary regarding cremation are:
- Funeral service
- Coffin
- Funeral
- Transfer
Advantages of Cremation
Less Harmful to the Environment
The best-known benefit of cremation is, without a doubt, its ability to generate less damage to nature. The process involves the emission of water and carbon dioxide. When carried out in a safe place and with adequate infrastructure, the polluting potential of this last substance is reduced, as it passes through filters that reduce the load of carbon dioxide released into the environment. Furthermore, cremation prevents the decomposition of the body. Deterioration releases toxic gases and the so-called necro slurry, a liquid resulting from the rotting of tissues and chemicals used in preserving the corpse, which can penetrate the earth and pollute aquifers.
Guarantees Long-Term Savings
The cremation is a single process. This means that it does not require additional expenses, such as opening fees, headstones, or annual maintenance. In the case of the individual cremation plan, just pay a percentage of the service to be able to activate it. When compared to the acquisition of a deposit, this choice also comes out ahead: up to 75% cheaper.
Different Ways to Honor Your Loved One
Contrary to what many might think, cremation does not dispense with the funeral. If the family wishes, it is possible to perform the ceremony before the process or even organize a memorial in the presence of the ash urn. In addition, it is common that other forms of homage are adopted: there are those who choose to spread the ashes of their loved ones in a place that was important in their view. Other people choose to create a special space, in which photos and other objects that refer to the individual’s history are grouped. The market also offers differentiated ballot boxes. Some models allow the ash to become an input for the generation of a plant; others have a biodegradable function and dissolve in contact with water.
Greater Convenience for the Family
For those who opt for a burial, it is common to have to deal with exhumation, that is, the removal of the body from the place after a certain period – either for contractual reasons related to the funeral plan or even to deposit a new corpse in its place. The cremation dispenses this process. Another great advantage is that the transport of ashes can usually be done by the family from one place to another, eliminating the need to hire a funeral service exclusively for this function.
Advantages of Burial
Below, we list the main points that have caused more people to look for services that include the funeral assistance benefit.
Safety for the Family
Unfortunately, there are recurrent cases of people who take advantage of delicate moments, such as the death of someone, to promote scams or practice abusive prices. In this sense, funeral assistance ensures that, even in the midst of the emotional impact, family members are not harmed, as services have already been defined previously.
Humanized Treatment
Professionals who specialize in funeral assistance understand the intricacies of both cremation and burial, offering complete support and care throughout the entire process. With their help, you can ensure that your loved ones are taken care of with the utmost respect and professionalism, giving you peace of mind during this difficult time.
Financial Savings
First, a funeral tends to generate unforeseen expenses. In addition, it is not difficult to see that a funeral involves a very high cost, which can make family members even more worried about expenses and the pain of loss. It is very common, even, to need to resort to savings or take out a loan to meet the needs that arise in these situations.
Therefore, the fact of having funeral assistance is a sure guarantee of both having peace of mind and protecting the finances.
Environmental Impact
Although cremation was promoted after World War II as environmentally preferable to burial, modern thinking is challenging this. Gas is consumed in the process and harmful pollutants are released into the atmosphere. According to the United Nations Environment Program report on the POP Emissions Inventory Guide, emissions from crematoria contribute 0.2% of the global emission of dioxins and furans. Another estimate is that cremating a body consumes energy equivalent to 500 kilometers by car and releases 500 kg (1.100 lb) of carbon dioxide.
Natural decomposition after burial appears less harmful to the environment, especially when a shroud rather than a coffin is used.
However, burial is also a known source of certain environmental contaminants. Embalming fluids, for example, are known to contaminate groundwater with mercury, arsenic, and formaldehyde. However, cremation has no effect on radioisotopes, other than returning them to the environment more quickly (starting with some airborne propagation). So cremation doesn’t help at all with pollution from this source.
Cremation vs Burial: Religious Views or Preferences
Each religion has its peculiarities, learn about some rituals below.
Catholic Church
When considering Cremation vs Burial, there are several factors to consider. Cremation is traditionally less expensive than burial, and the body is quickly and permanently disposed of. The ashes can be kept in an urn or scattered in a meaningful place. On the other hand, burial provides closure for family members and is a tangible symbol of the deceased‘s life. Both options are environmentally friendly, with cremation having a slightly lower carbon footprint. Ultimately, the decision between Cremation and Burial is a personal one.
Hinduism
On the other hand, in the case of Christianity, the burial is celebrated in the Church, and the body is taken to the cemetery. The tradition is that after the funeral, the body is covered with flowers and buried in the ground. Cremation and burial are two different practices when it comes to honoring a deceased loved one. Cremation is a popular choice for those who want to keep their loved one close and the ashes can be stored in an urn or scattered in a special place. Burial is more traditional and a popular choice for those who want to have a permanent place to visit in order to remember the deceased. Both options are respectful ways to honor a life and each has its own unique benefits. When considering cremation vs burial, it is important to think about the wishes of the deceased, the price, and the religious beliefs of the family.
Buddhism
Non-theistic philosophy or religion, originating in India, encompasses diverse traditions, beliefs, and practices based on the Buddha. Funeral rituals may vary. In some, the body is wrapped in white cloth, sutras are read, and prayers are offered so that the mental continuum that leaves the body attains enlightenment. In some cases, such as in Tibet, cremation or another ceremony to dispose of the body is usually performed 49 days after death.
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