Cremation vs. Traditional Burial: A Personal Choice

CARP APPROVED PARTNER SPONSORED CONTENT | August 11th, 2023

Choosing between cremation and a traditional casket burial is a highly personal decision that involves several factors. Religious customs, family traditions, budget considerations, and personal preferences all play a significant role in making this choice. In this article, we will explore the cost differences between cremation and burial, religious considerations for each option, and the pros and cons associated with each method. Additionally, we will emphasize the importance of making end-of-life arrangements in advance, ensuring that one’s final wishes are honoured.

Cost of Cremation vs. Burial

One of the essential factors to consider when deciding between cremation and burial is the cost. Cremation can often be more cost-effective than traditional burial, but the specific expenses depend on the choices made by the family. In the United States, the median cremation cost in 2021, including a cremation casket and urn, was approximately $6,970. On the other hand, the median cost of a traditional funeral with a viewing was $7,848. Prices can vary between cities and providers, making it essential to consider various options carefully.

It is important to note that a direct cremation, which is the least expensive type of cremation, can cost significantly less than a traditional burial. However, families can still choose to have a visitation and funeral prior to cremation, which adds to the overall cost but allows loved ones to say their goodbyes and participate in familiar rituals. Both cremation and burial options can be customized to be as simple or elaborate as desired, accommodating different budgets.

Religious Considerations

Religious beliefs and traditions also heavily influence the choice between cremation and burial. Here are some considerations for different faiths:

Catholicism: The Catholic Church instructs that the deceased be laid to rest in a cemetery. If cremation is selected, ashes are to be buried or placed into a mausoleum or columbarium, rather than scattered or kept at home.

Protestantism: Protestants have various options for final disposition, including ground burial, mausoleum entombment, or burial of cremated remains in a cemetery or church columbarium.

Greek Orthodoxy: Cremation is not acceptable in Greek Orthodoxy, and the deceased must be buried in the ground. Organ donations and autopsies are permitted.

Judaism: Traditional Jewish funeral tradition calls for a simple wood casket, and burial must take place as soon as possible after death. While cremation is contrary to Jewish tradition, some Jewish families are becoming more open to the practice.

Islam: Islamic law dictates specific guidelines for burial, with Muslims to be buried in a Muslim cemetery or a dedicated Muslim section of a community cemetery.

Buddhism: Buddhists often choose cremation, but some families may opt for full-body burial.

Hinduism: Hindus believe cremation liberates the soul of the deceased, and cremation typically occurs within 24 hours of death.

For blended families or those with members of different faiths, finding a compromise that honours certain traditions before cremation may be a suitable solution.

Pros and Cons of Cremation

Cremation has become increasingly popular due to several advantages it offers over traditional burial. Some of the key pros and cons of cremation are:

Pros:

  1. Flexible Timing: Cremation allows for more time to plan a funeral, memorial, or celebration of life, giving families the opportunity to focus on their immediate grief before making service arrangements.
  2. More Memorialization Options: Cremation allows for a wide range of choices for a loved one’s ashes, including permanent memorials in cemeteries, glass-front niches, and the option for multiple family members to keep ashes if desired.
  3. Mobility: As families are more scattered across the country, cremation’s mobility allows multiple family members to keep and transport ashes as needed.
  4. Environmental Concerns: Cremation is often seen as a more eco-friendly option compared to traditional burial, as it preserves land that would otherwise be used for burial.

Cons:

  1. Religious Prohibitions: Cremation may be prohibited or discouraged by certain religious beliefs, making it unsuitable for some families.
  2. Discomfort with the Process: Some family members may struggle with the idea of cremation, as they may not fully understand the process or may have reservations about “burning” a loved one.
  3. Lack of Closure: Families who opt for simple cremation without a service may find it challenging to say goodbye formally, which is why many choose to hold a viewing or memorial service before or after cremation.
  4. Permanence: Once cremation is complete, it is irreversible, and exhumation for any reason is not possible.

Pros and Cons of Burial

Traditional casket burial also has its advantages and disadvantages, catering to different preferences and beliefs. Here are the pros and cons of burial:

Pros:

  1. Familiarity: Traditional burial has been the more common choice for centuries, making it a familiar and less intimidating option for many people.
  2. Greater Family Support: Some individuals may find more comfort with casket burial, especially if it aligns with their religious beliefs.
  3. Inclusion of Cherished Mementos: Casket burial allows for special items to be placed with the deceased, providing additional comfort to mourners.

Cons:

  1. Time Pressure: Burials typically take place within a few days of death, leading to rushed decisions for families without a prepaid funeral plan.
  2. Higher Cost: Traditional burial can be more costly than cremation, depending on the specific arrangements chosen.
  3. Geographic Limitations: Burials have a fixed location, which can make visiting the gravesite challenging for some family members if they move or live far away.

Importance of Making Arrangements in Advance

Regardless of the chosen method, making end-of-life arrangements in advance is essential for several reasons:

  1. Financial Preparedness: Pre-planning allows individuals to make informed financial decisions, avoiding unexpected expenses for surviving family members.
  2. Personalization and Wishes: Pre-planning ensures that one’s final wishes are followed, including preferences for cremation or burial and specific service details.
  3. Relieving Emotional Stress: Pre-planning spares families from making complex decisions during a time of grief, allowing them to focus on supporting one another.
  4. Avoiding Family Disagreements: Pre-planning minimizes the risk of conflicts among family members with differing opinions on how to honour the deceased.
  5. Access to Specialized Services: Pre-planning allows individuals to research and choose the services and providers that align with their preferences and values.

Choosing between cremation and traditional burial is a deeply personal decision influenced by various factors. It is crucial to consider religious beliefs, cost implications, and personal preferences when making this choice. By making arrangements in advance, individuals can ensure their final wishes are honoured and spare their loved ones from unnecessary stress. Both cremation and burial options offer meaningful ways to celebrate and remember a life well-lived, and pre-planning ensures that the focus remains on honouring the memory of the departed.

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Contact us today to find out more about the special savings and benefits available to CARP members and their families. Visit dignitymemorial.com/carp or call or call 866-668-1841 to get started.