Cremation was, half a century ago, an obscure and seldom chosen method of burial [at least here in the west]. Now, however, the numbers of cremations are rising rapidly. There are many reasons for why this is, and we will hope to talk about a few of them in this article. This page will hope to tell you why cremations are becoming more and more popular the world over, and why they are becoming the preferred choice of burial.

So, if you would like to know why cremation is becoming more and more popular, you have come to the right place, for we will tell you everything that you need to know right here. Here is why cremation is becoming more and more popular.

What is Cremation

Before we can move onto why cremation is becoming more and more popular, let’s go over what cremation really is, shall we? Cremation is a way in which a body is disposed of through fire. All that is left once the cremation is complete are ashes. In some countries, like India and Nepal, cremations are an ancient tradition, with bodies openly burnt on open-air pyres. This is not something seen in the west, nor is it likely legal. Once cremated, the ashes are transported in vessels known as cremation urns, which are then kept by the families, allowing family members to stay close to their deceased relatives [which we will discuss later]. Let’s now move onto why cremation is becoming so popular.

Why is Cremation Becoming More Popular?

There are many things to consider when we ask why cremations are becoming more popular. Cremations have become incredibly popular in our modern world. This makes sense, especially since now in the west we have the highest levels of atheism ever recorded. Cremations are an alternative burial, free from religious constraint, although some religions do practice cremation. Let’s discuss a few of the reasons why cremation is becoming more popular:

Preparation

Traditional funerals can be very difficult to arrange and very costly. We live in a time where people are preparing for their funerals for many years in advance. And, to save their loved ones the pain of an open-casket funeral, or the stress of arranging a funeral, people make the preparations for cremation. Now, with many programs available, we are able to arrange for the best after-death packages, for both us and our families. This is a major factor in why so many people are cremated.

Intimacy

While it may not from an outsider’s perspective seem a very intimate practice, it really is. When cremated, you will be transported in an urn, which we mentioned previously. When in the urn, you will be at home with your family for the rest of their lives, and potentially their ancestors. Urns are passed down from generation to generation and allow relatives to still speak to you and feel your presence. When buried in a cemetery, your relatives can only visit you; when in an urn, they live with you. Cremation is a very intimate process, and that is another reason why so many people are cremated.

Atheism

As touched upon previously, atheism is now one of the largest growing schools of thought. Atheists are shunning the religious services and traditions that we are all used to in favor of more obscure burial practices. Many atheists find cremation a very fitting way to end their time on Earth. It is not only atheists that choose cremation, however, and a large number of denominations and religious sects. It is only because in the west we are largely Christian that we find burial rites of the said religion to be the norm. In other countries and cultures, that too would appear abstract.

Cost

Cremation is a very economic way to end your time on Earth, as mentioned earlier. People do not only do it in preparation for their deaths to ease the burden on their families but to save themselves money. If you do not have a lot of money, then cremation is definitely the best way for you to go.

Comfort

Many find the idea of cremation comforting. One of the most prominent phobias in the world is the phobia of being buried alive. Cremation is comforting. It means that your body will be gone from the planet forever and that you will not be underground rotting. For many, cremation is a comforting concept, and that is why it is being chosen by so many now in our modern, progressive world.

With the help of this page, you now know several reasons why cremation is becoming so popular. Cremation is, without a doubt, the fastest growing method of body disposition in the west. Now you know why that is. If cremation interests you, it may be worth contacting your local crematorium and finding out more.