The two main types of funerals are burial and cremation. Burial is the process in which a deceased’s body is put into the ground, or a large box, and covered with soil. Cremation is the process of reducing a dead person’s body to ashes by way of fire. It is typically done when there isn’t enough space for burial.
In this article, we will examine both methods and their benefits and drawbacks so that you can make an informed decision about your loved one’s final resting place.
We will also take some time to explore what it means to be “green” and how choosing either type of funeral may help you achieve this goal while honoring your loved one at the same time.
After someone passes away, several things must be done before they can be laid to rest or their ashes scattered or interred in any way. First, their personal belongings are gathered and sorted into those that go with them on their final journey and those that will remain behind (either because they have no sentimental value or because someone else will need them).
Next, a funeral home arranges for a death certificate to be issued as well as an obituary in either local newspapers or online so that family and friends who may not be able to attend the services can still pay their last respects to the deceased person. If any assets were left behind, they are placed into a trust or invested so that they can provide income for whoever is responsible for handling whatever debts or other bills there may be (usually either an adult child or other heir).
Once these steps have been taken, funeral arrangements can begin. The first decision that must be made here is whether the person being mourned should be buried in a cemetery plot, cremated, or interred in some other way.
What is the difference between burial and cremation?
Both burial and cremation allow for a person to say goodbye. However, the process of each is very different. Understanding the difference between burial and cremation helps to understand what happens during funeral service.
The process is typically four to five hours long. During this time, the family and friends of the deceased person will speak about what he or she meant to them as well as what they liked best about him. They may also talk about their favorite stories, memories from childhood, etc.
After everyone has had a chance to share their stories about the deceased, it is time for a short prayer service in which people ask God for strength during this difficult time and thank Him for allowing them to know the one that passed away. The body is then taken outside where any loved ones who wish to say goodbye can do so while others wait inside because space at a cemetery plot can be limited (especially if multiple services occur at once ).
Once everyone who wishes to have a final goodbye has had the chance to do so, it is time for the body to be placed in its final resting place. In addition to being buried or cremated, bodies can also be converted into memorial diamonds (worn by loved ones) and ashes, which can be scattered over favorite places like lakes and oceans or kept inside special keepsake boxes.
Benefits of Burial
When someone is buried in a cemetery plot, they can visit their loved one’s final resting place at any time. When you go to pay your respects, a special headstone will mark their grave, which will let you know just how much they are missed and help you feel whole again after losing them (even though it hurts).
In addition to being able to visit the grave, you can also choose when you wish to hold a remembrance service. Since there are no required dates for holding such services, you can take your time deciding whether or not it will be helpful and meaningful for everyone involved.
Benefits of Cremation
Cremation has many benefits over burial because there isn’t a need for land nor a place to store the actual body, so it provides an opportunity for those who may have limited space or budget constraints to still hold a memorial service at their loved one’s final resting place while also honoring his life and legacy by making sure that he or she will continue to be remembered forever.
Cremating a loved one, however, does not allow you to visit their resting place, but you do have more options when it comes to deciding what will happen with your loved one’s ashes. Ashes can be scattered in places that he or she enjoyed going most, kept inside of an urn at home (which is often given as a gift by people who want you to remember). Even converted into diamonds for those family members or friends who may want to wear a piece of him or her around their necks as a constant reminder of the love that you had for one another.
Green Funeral Options
What does it mean to be green, and how can you achieve this goal with a burial or cremation service? The definition of green is “of the color of growing foliage; having or showing healthy freshness and vigor.” With these definitions in mind, let’s examine some options for making your memorial service a green one.
Lots of people know that saving water saves energy, but many are not aware that grave liners have been linked to air pollution due to runoff. Water-absorbing chemicals and dyes used in most permanent tombstones can leach into groundwater supplies over time. This can cause problems for plants, animals, and humans who rely on clean drinking water. The best way to minimize this problem is by choosing an alternative such as environmentally friendly cremation urns or biodegradable burial pods that are made from materials such as renewable bamboo, recycled paper, or organic cotton.
Whether you choose to be buried in a biodegradable urn or be cremated and scattered in an area that is known for having water quality issues, you should know that you can help protect the environment while still paying your respects.
Choosing a funeral option for someone you’ve lost is an emotional and difficult process. The different types of funerals available are burial or cremation, which both have their benefits. Suppose your loved one has passed away recently. In that case, it may be best to wait before making this decision to think through all the options carefully with family members to make the most appropriate choice for everyone involved, given their situation. Remembering these tips on choosing a funeral option will help reduce any stress associated with planning a memorial service, whether they choose burial or cremation services.
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