What is Cremation?

People generally understand what the term cremation means. When we are asked for a detailed definition, however, we tend to hesitate while searching for appropriate words. A suggested definition of cremation is the: "The mechanical and/or thermal or other dissolution process that reduces human remains to bone fragments." Cremation includes the processing and usually includes the pulverization of the bone fragments.

This definition covers a variety of technologies that may be applied in order to achieve reduction to bone fragments, including traditional flame-based cremation, calcination and alkaline hydrolysis.

Why Cremation?

 |

There are numerous reasons why people choose cremation, and the decision is a very personal one, whether for someone planning their own services in order to alleviate their family from that burden, to family members choosing cremation as a loving and respectful way to memorialize their loved one. Research has shown the following nine factors as considerations in the cremation decision: 

• People are dying older and choosing cremation for themselves.
• Migration to retirement locations is increasing.
• Cremation has become acceptable.
• Environmental considerations are becoming more important.
• Level of education is rising.
• Ties to tradition are becoming weaker.
• Regional differences are diminishing.
• Religious restrictions are diminishing.
• Greater flexibility in memorialization services.

According to the funeral-industry sponsored Wirthlin Report from 2006, the five primary reasons why cremation is chosen are as follows.

1. Saves Money (30%)
2. Saves Land (13%)
3. Simpler (8%)
4. Body Not in Earth (6%)
5. Personal Preference (6%)