When it comes to burial and funeral options, cremation has become an increasingly popular choice. With many people leaning more toward cremation, it’s important to understand the different cremation styles that you can choose.
Selecting the right style of cremation will help you honor your loved ones the way they deserve and make their last goodbye memorable. Let’s explore the five different styles of cremation available. This way, you can make an informed decision.
Traditional Cremation
The traditional method involves placing the body in a casket before the cremation begins. The casket then goes inside the chamber for the cremation. After this, the family receives the remains. The family can scatter the ashes or keep them in an urn for preservation.
Direct Cremation
This style is a popular option, as it’s a simple and cost-effective method. In this process, the body gets immediately cremated without any service available. The ashes then go to the family in an urn, and they can choose to have a memorial service or scatter them.
Communal Cremation
In contrast to traditional cremation, this method is a shared option and involves more than one body receiving cremation in the same chamber. This type is appropriate for those who prefer cost-effective methods and is often an option for welfare reasons.
Water Cremation
Also known as aqua cremation or alkaline hydrolysis, this method uses water instead of fire to break down the body. The body goes in a pressurized vessel filled with water and alkaline, which dissolves the body into ashes. It is an eco-friendly method that uses fewer resources compared to other methods.
Human Composting
This style is an eco-friendly and very new funeral method. It’s an innovative and sustainable way of disposing of the human body. It involves placing human remains in a vessel filled with organic materials, such as wood chips and straw. This vessel then goes in a warm place for several weeks. During this time, it undergoes a process called natural organic reduction. After this, the remains return to the family in an urn or find use as plant fertilization.
Choosing the right style of cremation is an important decision that should take some time, as it’s the last duty you can do for your loved ones. Each has distinctive features suitable for different people. Making sure you know which cremation style you want for your loved one is just one of the steps in planning a cremation ceremony and honoring their memory. By understanding the different styles of cremation available, you’ll be able to make a better-informed decision and ensure that you can say goodbye to your loved one in a respectful and dignified way.
