When someone dies, one of the first things their loved ones have to decide is how they want to say goodbye. That often includes determining whether to bury or cremate the body. Both options have advantages and disadvantages, but cremation is becoming increasingly popular.
Cremation has been on the rise ever since, surpassing burial as the preferred option in 2015. According to data from the National Funeral Directors Association, or NFDA, more than half of all people who die this year will elect for cremation.
Cremation or burial: which is more popular? That’s a question that many people have wondered about, and there are good arguments for both sides. So let’s look at the pros and cons of cremation and burial to see which might be the best option for you.
Is Cremation Popular in US?
Cremation is growing in popularity in the USA. In 2015, it was chosen by 34% of Americans, up from just 6% in 1960. This increase can likely be attributed to a few factors. First, cremation is often seen as more affordable than burial. It can also be seen as more environmentally friendly, as it doesn’t require burial space or a casket. And finally, cremation allows for more flexibility in terms of what to do with the ashes. They can be scattered, buried, or even kept in an urn.
So why is burial still more popular? There are a few reasons. First, burial is seen as more traditional and sentimental. Many people see it as a way to honor their loved ones. Finally, many people find comfort in being buried next to their loved ones.
Ultimately, the choice between burial and cremation is a personal one. Both cremation and burial have a set of pros and cons, so it’s up to you to decide what’s right for you.
Is it Better to Get Cremated or Buried?
That is a question many people ask, and there is no easy answer. The decision between burial and cremation requires careful consideration since each has advantages and disadvantages. It all depends on your priorities. Here is a breakdown of the pros and cons of burial and cremation:
Burial Pros:
-It’s a time-honored tradition to say goodbye in this manner.
-The local cemetery provides unlimited visits to the graves of loved ones.
-Has a high religious preference.
-Being beside your loved ones.
-It allows for a heartfelt goodbye.
Burial Cons:
-It takes up space.
-The body decomposes over time.
-It can be challenging to maintain a burial site.
-There is a limited amount of burial space available.
Cremation Pros:
-It is more affordable than burial.
-The body is incinerated, and the ashes may be dispersed or buried.
-Cremation does not take up space.
-There is no fear of the body decomposing over time.
-Cremation is more ecologically responsible than burial.
Cremation Cons:
-Cremation does not provide for a permanent monument or place of sorrow.
-Cremations are considered a form of desecration by some religious groups.
So, which is right for you? It depends on your personal preferences and what is important to you. If you are looking for a more permanent option, burial may be better. If you are looking for an affordable and eco-friendly option, cremation is better. Whatever you decide, make sure you are comfortable with your decision.
Why is Cremation Becoming More Popular?
In 1960, only 3.6 percent of Americans wanted to be cremated. The projected cremation rate for 2025 is astoundingly higher at 63.3%. That’s a 1658.33 percent increase in the number of people choosing cremation over 65 years, which is incredible! Moreover, according to the National Funeral Directors Association 2021 US cremation forecast, the predicted cremation rate will continue to increase in the years ahead. In 2030, nearly 70.4 percent of Americans planned to choose cremation, while in 2040, over 78.4% intended to do so.
What caused this substantial increase in the popularity of cremation, and why has it occurred? According to experts, demographics and economic circumstances are the most important elements, but they aren’t the only ones.
Why Do People Choose Cremation Instead of Burial?
There are a few reasons why people might choose cremation over burial. Perhaps the most common reason is cost. Cremation is typically much cheaper than burial, especially if you factor in the cost of a burial plot and casket. Another reason might be convenience. There is no need for a funeral service or gathering with cremation – the ashes can be scattered or buried at any time or place that the family chooses. And finally, some people choose cremation as a way to reduce their environmental impact. A typical burial takes up a lot of space and requires lots of concrete and metal to construct the grave and vault.
Which Country has the Highest Cremation Rate?
Cremation is quite popular in Japan, with about 99% of the population has chosen this option. Other Asian nations, such as Nepal (95%), Chinese Taipei (Taiwan-93%), South Korea (82%), and India (75%), have comparable cremation rates. In Romania, less than 1% of deaths are by cremation, whereas in China and the United Kingdom, it is more than 80%. Cremation’s popularity in Japan includes the lack of burial space, the Buddhist belief that cremation frees the soul from the body, and the tradition of scattering ashes at sea. Each country has its tradition or reason for cremation’s popularity. Some countries are following Japan’s lead and are seeing an increase in cremations.
Is a Burial More Expensive than a Cremation?
Cremation is more cost-effective when compared to burial—today’s funeral costs on average $6,500, including the usual $2,000-or-more coffin expense. However, the average price of a burial vault rises to about $7,700 when one is added. On the other hand, a cremation costs approximately a third as much as a burial vault.
The burial process is often more expensive than cremation because many more services and products need to be purchased. For example, you have to buy a casket, burial vault, tombstone, and flowers with a burial. With cremation, you only have to buy an urn. The cost of burial also depends on the location. For example, burial in a cemetery can be much more expensive than burial in a park or other public place.
Cremation is a more affordable option, but it also has environmental impacts. For every cremation, there are about 5 pounds of carbon dioxide emissions. That is because the cremation process requires high temperatures and a lot of energy. There are also concerns about mercury emissions from cremation. When dental fillings containing mercury are burned, the mercury can be released into the air.
