Cremation is an increasingly popular alternative to conventional burial. But there are many myths and misconceptions surrounding cremation that can confuse or frustrate family members seeking to honor their loved ones.
At Robinson Funeral Homes, we’ve helped families find comfort in saying goodbye for 150 years, and we want to ensure you have the facts about cremation. Learn the truth about cremation and get answers to your questions as you plan arrangements.
Understanding Cremation: A Growing Choice for Families
Traditional burials are still a popular option, but more and more families are considering cremation. This process offers unique benefits that appeal to many people.
Why More Families Are Choosing Cremation Today
Cremation is more accessible than ever before, and this increased access is helping people consider it as they consider their own final wishes. Both individuals and families of deceased individuals choose cremation for these benefits:
- Environmental concerns and concerns about land use
- Budget-friendliness, as cremation is often a fraction of the cost of traditional burial plots and processing
- Greater control of planning the service, storing or incorporating the remains, and transporting the remains
How Cremation Aligns With Personal, Cultural, and Religious Views
Cremation is also popular as religious norms surrounding funeral practices become more flexible. People practicing a wider array of religions and people not practicing a religion can all more freely choose cremation based on their personal and cultural wishes.
Common Myths About Cremation—Debunked
The facts about cremation are often hidden behind myths. Learn more so you can more readily choose the right option for you or your loved one.
Myth: Cremation Means No Funeral or Memorial Service
People can still have funerals and memorial services. Depending on your wishes, it could be an empty casket service, or you can modify these practices to accommodate an urn or other vessel.
Myth: Cremated Remains Are Mixed With Others
Professional crematories do not mix cremated remains. They are respectful of bodies and have processes to ensure only one body is in the cremation chamber at once.
Myth: Cremation Is Always Cheaper Than Burial
Cremation is typically cheaper than burial. However, there are many supplemental ceremonial options you can choose that may make the final cost of the memorial service comparable to a burial.
Myth: You Can’t Have a Traditional Ceremony With Cremation
You can conduct traditional funeral ceremonies with cremation. Some services have a funeral service preceding the cremation, so traditional viewing and visitation options can occur.
The Facts: What Really Happens During the Cremation Process
Once you know the truth behind the myths, it’s also important to consider the fundamental facts.
Step-by-Step Overview of the Cremation Procedure
The cremation process includes these main steps:
- Identifying the body and authorizing cremation
- Preparing the body
- Holding viewing and visitation services
- Moving the body to the cremation chamber
- Finalizing the remains, such as transferring the cremated remains to an urn
Legal and Ethical Standards You Can Trust
Many people who are interacting with cremation services for the first time are nervous. But professional crematories have to meet high legal and ethical considerations, including ensuring the body is properly identified, cremating each body individually, meeting state regulations, and treating the deceased with dignity.
What Families Receive After Cremation
Once cremation is complete, family members and loved ones receive the remains in an urn or other small vessel. Then, you can bury the remains, keep the urn at home, or incorporate the cremated remains into a memorial good.
Have Questions About Cremation? We’re Here to Help.
If you have questions about cremations, Robinson Funeral Home is here to help. We can answer questions ranging from concerns about different budget-friendly options to questions like, “Which part of the body does not burn during cremation?” We’re here to help you and your family feel at peace and have all the answers you need. Contact us today to talk to a member of our team.
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