Cremation vs. Traditional Burial
Dignity Memorial- MSC Locations
Jul 26, 2023
Florida - Sarasota, Bradenton & Charlotte Counties
Email US
Click to Email Us
Choosing between cremation and casket burial is a very personal decision. When making this choice for yourself or a loved one, there are several factors to consider. Religious customs, family traditions, budget and personal wishes are all things to keep in mind.
Our compassionate associates can help you with your decision. We’ll guide you through the cremation versus burial debate, so you can make the best choice for yourself, your loved one and your family.
Cost of cremation vs. burial
The cost of most everything is on the rise, and for many people, money is a concern. Without a prepaid plan in place, the cost of final arrangements catches many families off guard. Cremation can cost less than burial, but that's not always the case. The cost differences can be dramatic or negligible, depending on the options a family chooses.
The median cremation cost in 2021 was around $6,970 in the United States, including cremation casket and urn. The median cost of a traditional funeral with a viewing was $7,848. Prices vary from city to city and even among providers in the same city.
A direct cremation is the least expensive type of cremation, and it can cost thousands less than a funeral with traditional burial. However, many families don't realize they can have a visitation and funeral prior to cremation, but they can. These services add to the total cost, but they allow friends and family to say goodbye and participate in familiar rituals. Things like catering and cemetery property add to the cost of both cremation and burial. Either option can be as simple or elaborate as a family wishes.
Religious considerations
Religious beliefs and traditions are important to many people. When deciding on burial or cremation, consider these guiding principles:
- Catholicism. The Catholic Church instructs that the deceased be laid to rest in a cemetery. If cremation is selected, ashes are to be buried or placed into a mausoleum or columbarium, rather than scattered or kept at home. In some areas, the Catholic Church provides cemetery gardens or mausoleums that have been consecrated and are considered sacred ground. In other areas, a priest can perform a service and bless the gravesite.
- Protestantism. Just as Protestants have many funeral service options, they also have many choices for final disposition. The deceased may be interred in the ground or entombed in a mausoleum. Cremated remains may be scattered, buried in a cemetery or placed in a church columbarium.
- Greek Orthodoxy. The Greek Orthodox Church considers cremation a desecration of the body. The deceased must be buried in the ground; embalming is a common practice. Organ donations and autopsies are allowed.
- Judaism. The Jewish faith prioritizes returning the full body to earth promptly. Although cremation is contrary to Jewish tradition, contemporary Jewish families are becoming more open to the practice. Traditional Jewish funeral tradition calls for a simple wood casket, sometimes with holes in the bottom. If a vault is used, it may have holes in the bottom or no bottom at all (depending on cemetery regulations and community customs).
- Islam. Islamic law is very specific about the way a member of the Muslim faith is to be prepared for burial, beginning with a ritual washing. Islam does not allow cremation, and Islamic law is very specific in its directions for burial. Muslims are to be buried in a Muslim cemetery or a special Muslim section of a community cemetery.
- Buddhism. Buddhists often choose cremation, although some families select full-body burial.
- Hinduism. Hindus believe cremation liberates the soul of the deceased, who may linger if the physical body remains. The sooner the body is cremated (often within 24 hours of death), the sooner the person can begin his or her next journey.
Many families today are blended, and they may choose a blend of final arrangements. There may be multiple faiths represented in a family, and there may be members who aren't religious at all. These families sometimes find a compromise by holding a visitation, mass or full funeral so certain traditions can be honored prior to cremation.
Pros and cons of cremation
Cremation has advantages and disadvantages. The pros generally outweigh the cons, however, as evidenced by the fact that more and more families are choosing cremation. In fact, the Cremation Association of North America estimates that by 2025, the cremation rate in the United States will be 64.1%. It's predicted to be 81.8% by the same year in Canada.
Pros
- Flexible timing: When you choose cremation, you have as much time as you need to plan a funeral, memorial or celebration of life. Cremation allows families time to focus on their immediate grief and decide on the details of a service when the shock of death subsides a bit. Families who choose cremation often wait weeks or months before holding a service.
- More memorialization options: Cremation allows for a nearly endless array of options for a loved one's ashes, including a permanent memorial in a cemetery. A glass-front niche, for example, allows a family to create a beautiful display with the loved one's urn and a few cherished mementos. Because ashes can be divided, families can choose more than one option.
- Mobility: Today's families are more likely to be scattered across the country than families in the past. Because ashes can be divided and easily transported, multiple family members can keep ashes if they'd like. And if a family moves, a cremated loved one's ashes can go with them.
- Environmental concerns: Many people see cremation as a more eco-friendly option than burial because it preserves land that would otherwise be used for burial.
Cons
- Religious prohibitions: As noted above, there are a few religions that prohibit cremation for its followers. Other religions simply discourage it.
- Discomfort with the process: Most people don't know how cremation works, and it may be a tough choice for some family members to accept. With only a general idea about the process, the prospect of "burning" a loved one can bring up feelings of dread or fear. Though most cremations today do involve extreme heat, alternatives are on the rise.
- Lack of closure: In families who opt for simple cremation, or cremation without a service of any kind, there may be those who struggle without a formal opportunity to say goodbye. That's why many who choose cremation also opt to hold a viewing, memorial service or celebration of life before or after the cremation.
- Permanence. Cremation is irreversible. The body of a loved one who has been buried could be exhumed if need be for DNA testing, a police investigation, a cultural practice or other reason. That is not an option if a loved one has been cremated.
Pros and cons of burial
Like cremation, casket burial also has advantages and disadvantages. But there are no right or wrong choices here; there's only the choice that best suits you and your family. The two things that one might think give casket burial an advantage over cremation—a funeral service and a cemetery memorial—are also available to families who choose cremation.
Pros
- Familiarity: For centuries and until recently in the United States, traditional burial was the more common choice. Most people have attended a viewing or funeral and are familiar with—and thus less afraid of—the process.
- Greater family support: Some people have a level of comfort with casket burial they don't have with cremation. In addition, more religions are agreeable to burial, which would be important in families with a range of beliefs.
- Inclusion of cherished mementos: Whether in-ground or aboveground, casket burial allows for special items to be included with a loved one. Placing objects such as photos, jewelry, notes, toys, books, even booze inside a loved one's casket is a very old tradition. Mourners often find this greatly comforting.
Cons
- Time pressure: Most burials take place within a few days of death. Families who choose traditional burial may feel rushed to make important decisions, especially if the loved one who has died didn't have a prepaid funeral plan in place.
- Higher cost: Traditional burial can be more costly than cremation, though that's not always the case. If a family chooses cremation with a viewing and a service, the cost can be very comparable.
- Geographic limitations: By its very nature, burial has a fixed location. Having a permanent place to remember is incredibly important to many families, but that can mean some family members won't be able to visit the gravesite. It can also mean traveling to visit a grave if the family moves.
Plan a burial or cremation ahead of time
Did your loved one record what he or she wanted for a funeral or memorial? Be sure to follow their wishes if they took the time to let you know the best way to honor their life. Also consider planning your own service ahead of time.
When you plan in advance, your family won’t have to wonder if you’d have preferred a traditional burial or a cremation, a simple service or more elaborate celebration of life. A Dignity Memorial® advisor can walk you through the details of traditional burial or cremation and help you decide what best suits you. That way, when the time comes, family and friends can focus on what is really important—remembering you.
- To view the original version of this article visit www.dignitymemorial.com/cremation/cremation-vs-traditional-burial
- Seniors Blue Book was not involved in the creation of this content.
Other Articles You May Like
Some Sedentary Activities Are Good For Brain Health
Physical activity helps your brain, but did you know even some sedentary activities can ward off cognitive decline? Creative crafts, reading, and puzzles such as Sudoku or Scrabble keep your brain mentally stimulated. Try word and number games rather than TV or gaming. So, when you rest your body, make sure you're still engaging your brain. Summary: New research highlights that some sedentary activities, like reading or crafting, are better for brain health than others, such as watching TV or gaming. A study of 397 older adults found that mentally stimulating and socially engaging activities support memory and thinking abilities, while passive screen time is linked to cognitive decline.This insight is crucial, as 45% of dementia cases are linked to modifiable lifestyle factors. Researchers suggest swapping passive activities for more engaging ones to protect brain health, even during indulgent holiday marathons.Key FactsCognitive Benefits: Reading and social engagement improve brain function, unlike passive screen time.Preventable Risk: 45% of dementia cases could be reduced through lifestyle changes.Healthy Swaps: Small activity changes, like breaking up TV time with reading or movement, benefit the brain.Source: University of South AustraliaIts that time of the year when most of us get the chance to sit back and enjoy some well-deserved down time. But whether you reach for the TV controller, or a favourite book, your choice could have implications for your long-term brain health, say researchers at the University of South Australia.Assessing the 24-hour activity patterns of 397 older adults (aged 60+), researchers found that the context or type of activity that you engage in, matters when it comes to brain health. And specifically, that some sedentary (or sitting) behaviours are better for cognitive function than others.When looking at different sedentary behaviours, they found that social or mentally stimulating activities such as reading, listening to music, praying, crafting, playing a musical instrument, or chatting with others are beneficial for memory and thinking abilities. Yet watching TV or playing video games are detrimental.Researchers believe that there is likely a hierarchy of how sedentary behaviours relate to cognitive function, in that some have positive effects while others have negative effects.Its a valuable insight that could help reduce risks of cognitive impairment, particularly when at least 45% of dementia cases could be prevented through modifiable lifestyle factors.In Australia, about 411,100 people (or one in every 1000 people) are living with dementia. Nearly two-thirds are women. Globally, the World Health Organization estimates that more than 55 million people have dementia with nearly 10 million new cases each year.UniSA researcher Dr Maddison Mellow says that not all sedentary behaviours are equal when it comes to memory and thinking ability.In this research, we found that the context of an activity alters how it relates to cognitive function, with different activities providing varying levels of cognitive stimulation and social engagement, Dr Mellow says.We already know that physical activity is a strong protector against dementia risk, and this should certainly be prioritised if you are trying to improve your brain health. But until now, we hadnt directly explored whether we can benefit our brain health by swapping one sedentary behaviour for another.We found that sedentary behaviours which promote mental stimulation or social engagement such as reading or talking with friends are beneficial for cognitive function, whereas others like watching TV or gaming have a negative effect. So, the type of activity is important.And, while the move more, sit less message certainly holds true for cardiometabolic and brain health, our research shows that a more nuanced approach is needed when it comes to thinking about the link between sedentary behaviours and cognitive function.Now, as the Christmas holidays roll around, what advice do researchers have for those who really want to indulge in a myriad of Christmas movies or a marathon of Modern Family?To achieve the best brain health and physical health benefits, you should prioritise movement thats enjoyable and gets the heart rate up, as this has benefits for all aspects of health, Dr Mellow says.But even small five-minute time swaps can have benefits. So, if youre dead set on having a Christmas movie marathon, try to break up that time with some physical activity or a more cognitively engaged seated activity, like reading, at some point. That way you can slowly build up healthier habits.This research was conducted by a team of UniSA researchers including: Dr Maddison Mellow, Prof Dot Dumuid, Dr Alexandra Wade, Prof Tim Olds, Dr Ty Stanford, Prof Hannah Keage, and Assoc Prof Ashleigh Smith; with researchers from the University of Leicester, and the University of Newcastle.Author: Annabel MansfieldSource: University of South AustraliaContact: Annabel Mansfield University of South AustraliaImage: The image is credited to Neuroscience NewsOriginal Research: Open access.Should We Work Smarter or Harder for Our Health? A Comparison of Intensity and Domain-Based Time-Use Compositions and Their Associations With Cognitive and Cardiometabolic Health by Maddison Mellow et al. Journals of Gerontology Series A
Coldwell Banker Reaffirms Partnership with St. Jude Childrens Research Hospital for Fourth Consecutive Year
Having donated nearly two million dollars since the start of the partnership, the Coldwell Banker brand continues its commitment to fostering hopeColdwell Banker Real Estate LLC, a subsidiary of Anywhere Real Estate Inc. (NYSE: HOUS), extends its impactful partnership with St. Jude Childrens Research Hospital into 2025. The CB Supports St. Jude partnership has raised $1.97 million since its establishment in 2020.The inspiring story of David DiGregorio, an affiliated agent with Coldwell Banker Realty in Waltham, Massachusetts, truly reflects the spirit of the Coldwell Banker network. Recognized this year as the Stars of Hope top donor, a title he earned last year and in 2021, DiGregorios efforts serve as a powerful example of dedication, commitment and philanthropy. His generous contributions have not only significantly enhanced the overall impact made by the Coldwell Banker brand, but also have been instrumental in helping St. Jude give vital support to many families in need. The Stars of Hope recognition is honored annually to the top 15 percent of all participating agents who made donations in the CB Supports St. Jude program.The renewal of this program allows Coldwell Banker brand affiliated agents to keep donating a portion of every home sale or purchase to this worthy cause. This dedication guarantees that no family will face the financial burdens of treatment, travel, housing or food expenses while they work to bring their children home.QUOTES:We are deeply committed to the power of community and the profound importance of giving back. Our partnership with St. Jude Childrens Research Hospital exemplifies our unwavering dedication to making a tangible difference in the lives of families confronting unimaginable challenges. As we look ahead to 2025, we take immense pride in the collective impact we continue to achieve, knowing that every contribution brings hope and healing to children in need.Jason Waugh, President of Coldwell Banker Affiliates I am incredibly grateful to be part of a network that is truly committed to making a difference. Contributing to this cause has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my career and seeing the tangible impact of our donations on the lives of these children reinforces the importance of our partnership with St. Jude.David DiGregorio, agent with Coldwell Banker Realty Waltham, Mass About Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLCPowered by its network of over 98,000 affiliated sales professionals in approximately 2,700 offices across 40 countries and territories, the Coldwell Banker system is a leading provider of full-service residential and commercial real estate brokerage services. The Coldwell Banker brand prides itself on its history of expertise, honesty and an empowering culture of excellence since its beginnings in 1906. The Coldwell Banker brand is committed to providing its network of affiliated sales agents with the tools and insights needed to excel in todays marketplace and is known for its bold leadership and dedication to driving the industry forward. The brand was named among the 2024 Womens Choice Award 9 out of 10 Customer Recommended Real Estate Agency. Blue is bold and the integrity and values of the Coldwell Banker brand give the Gen Blue network an unbeatable edge. Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. Each office is independently owned and operated.
Affluent Appetite for Luxury Homes Drives Market Optimism for Many Consumers, According to New Coldwell Banker Global Luxury Report
Report features fresh insights from U.S. luxury consumers and identifies the top trends dominating the global luxury real estate landscapeColdwell Banker Real Estate LLC, an AnywhereSM (NYSE: HOUS) brand, and the Coldwell Banker Global Luxury program, today released The Trend Report, showcasing increased consumer optimism in luxury real estate as the fourth quarter of 2023 welcomed fresh energy from luxury homebuyers.Over one-third of surveyed luxury consumers feel that 2024 will be a better time to buy or sell a home compared to 2023 indicating enthusiasm for luxury real estate as they pursue their dream home, according to the Coldwell Banker Global Luxury Consumer Survey.Furthermore, the luxury market saw sales during the last quarter of 2023 increase nearly 4.2% for single-family homes and 14.2% for attached properties compared to the previous year, while new listings also increased by 14.2% for single-family homes and 7.2% for attached properties during the same period.[1] On average, luxury consumers surveyed plan on selling their home within the next 10 months.Alongside the luxury consumer survey, The Trend Report explores top trends leading todays luxury homebuying landscape, backed by additional insight and data from Coldwell Banker Global Luxury Property Specialists, the Institute for Luxury Home Marketing and Wealth-X.The top six themes shaping the 2024 luxury real estate market identified by The Trend Report are:Shifting out of Neutral: Influences on the Luxury MarketHave-It-All PropertiesThe Influence of AIThe High Earners, Not Rich Yet (HENRY) FactorForeign BuyersSmart HomesIn addition to the trends and consistent theme that wealthy Americans have a more positive outlook on the real estate market heading into 2024, key findings from the Coldwell Banker Global Luxury Consumer survey include:Continued desire for affluent consumers to purchase a home abroadSocial medias tremendous role in homebuying decisionsLocation being the most important factor to consider when searching for a homeInternational InvestmentsAmerica continues to be a real estate safe haven for many of the worlds wealthiest and influential consumers. According to The Trend Report, international buyers purchasing real estate in the top 5% of the market in 2023 saw 25% growth, indicating that international high-net-worth consumers continue to see to value of investing in the U.S. luxury real estate market. The top international buyers include China, Canada and the United Kingdom, and the most favored cities to purchase within the U.S. are New York, Los Angeles, Miami, San Francisco and Washington, D.C.While international buyers look to America for their next property, wealthy Americans are also exploring opportunities abroad, with nearly 40% of survey respondents planning to buy a home in a foreign location within the next year and two-thirds of affluent consumers saying they plan to purchase a home abroad within the next five years. Europe is the top destination among luxury consumers (29%), followed by North America outside the U.S. (28%) and the Caribbean (23%).Social Media Influences Luxury BuyersSocial media is overwhelmingly influencing luxury consumers to purchase their dream home. A whopping 73% of affluent consumers say they have been influenced by social media to purchase a particular home they desire. Instagram (45%), YouTube (45%) and TikTok (44%) are the top social media platforms that have influenced luxury consumers to purchase their dream home.For the younger generations of luxury homebuyers like millennials and Gen Z, TikTok has especially become an enormously popular platform to connect with real estate agents to become more knowledgeable of the housing market through comprehensive yet digestible, bite-sized videos and virtual walkthroughs of homes. 64% of consumers aged 18-24 have been influenced by social media in their desire to purchase a particular type of home. In addition, 68% of consumers in this age bracket are most likely to have been influenced by TikTok in their decision to purchase their desired home.Discerning Tastes in Luxury LivingWhile high interest rates and low inventory may cause some consumers to settle or pause their home search altogether, luxury consumers have only become more selective when purchasing their newest property. Todays affluent buyers are more discerning than ever, prioritizing location, privacy, wellness amenities, lifestyle experiences and the latest technology.Notably, the top three amenities desired by luxury consumers according to the survey findings are privacy, breathtaking views and garage space. Location is top-of-mind for luxury consumers when choosing a home (45%), followed by price (39%). Wealthy Americans prefer mid-sized to large modern contemporary styled homes, ideally located on the West Coast.High-tech security systems, smart lighting and energy-saving solutions stand out as the top three preferred technologies among luxury consumers. Notably, the preferences in smart home technologies vary across age groups. Older generations (45+) lean towards prioritizing convenience, while the younger demographics (1834) express a preference for privacy and security. Individuals aged 3544 prioritize health tech systems, such as air quality control and water analysis sensors.To explore the Trend Report and full survey results, visit https://www.coldwellbankerluxury.com/.QUOTES:After a year of high interest rates, housing shortages and conflicted consumer sentiment, its encouraging to see such a positive outlook on the luxury real estate market for 2024. If lower mortgage rate trends combined with the new inventory momentum continues, luxury homebuyers could be inspired to move forward with their next home purchase. As they prioritize new amenities, features and even explore overseas options for their next property, Im excited to see our Coldwell Banker Global Luxury Property Specialists guide both buyers and sellers to achieve their dream homes.Michael Altneu, vice president, Coldwell Banker Global LuxuryIn contrast to the pandemic homebuying boom, were seeing luxury homebuyers more than willing to wait to find the perfect house in 2024 that meets every single one of their needs whether its privacy, wellness amenities, lifestyle experiences, latest technology or a combination of all those factors. Specifically, turn-key, move-in ready homes with easy access to the best luxury amenities provide buyers with instant gratification in attaining their desired lifestyle. Whether its purchasing the home that has it all or upgrading their current home with trending features, Im looking forward to seeing both buyers and sellers enjoying the decisions they make for their home this year.Jade Mills, president, Jade Mills Estates and International Ambassador of Coldwell Banker Global Luxury programMethodologyThe Coldwell Banker Global Luxury program collaborated with Censuswide, the Institute for Luxury Home Marketing and Wealth-X to provide insights into real estate trends, market sentiment, property investment and luxury spending preferences. Censuswide surveyed 4,213 U.S. consumers, 25% of which were luxury (1,053 respondents in total). Research was conducted between Nov. 27, 2023 and December 11, 2023. Luxury respondents were classified as those aged 18+ with a household income of $1M+, or who have bought a home in the U.S. worth $1M+ or are planning to purchase a home in the near future worth $1M+. Censuswide abides by and employs members of the Market Research Society which is based on ESOMAR guidelines and principles. For more information on how data was collected and defined, please refer to the full methodology on page 4 of The Trend Report.[1] This data is sourced from an analysis of 130 U.S. markets by the Institute for Luxury Home Marketing. For more information, please reference the methodology section on page 4 in The Trend Report.