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Part of making funeral arrangements on behalf of a loved one involves choosing between burial of the body, or cremation. Certainly this is a big decision, based on any number of factors: religious or spiritual beliefs, finances, or ecological awareness are just some of the reasons we've heard for choosing cremation. Before you can make the choice, you need to know exactly what it is you're considering. You can learn the basics below, however, if the content here raises additional questions for you, please give us a call. One of our cremation specialists will address any of your inquiries or concerns.
The Cremation Association of North America describes cremation as, "The mechanical and/or thermal or other dissolution process that reduces human remains to bone fragments". On our page, The Cremation Process, we offer a deeper look at the most common cremation process which uses extreme heat. As we said earlier, people choose cremation over burial of casketed remains for any combination of reasons. Sometimes it's the simple fear of burial itself, which may stem directly from the Victorian phobia of being buried alive.
Once the cremation-over-burial decision has been made, all that's required is authorization. This is provided by the person who is the legally identified or appointed next-of-kin. Once all authorization documents are signed, and service charges are paid; the body can be transported from the place of death to the crematory and the cremation process can take place. However, there are some additional things you may wish to consider, such as:
Given the religious, ethnic, and regional diversity among us, there are many other reasons for the dramatic rise in the number of cremations performed each year. According to Tyler Mathisen of NBC, one of those reasons "is the softening of the Catholic church's views of the practice. For centuries—until 1963, in fact—the church outlawed it. The church's laws still express a preference for burial. But the outright ban is a thing of the past." He goes on to tell readers that the decline in nuclear families is another reason. "As more Americans live far from hometowns and parents, and as family burial plots have waned in popularity and accessibility, millions have turned to cremation as a practical and cost-effective way to care for a loved one's remains." Cremation also allows a family the flexibility they may need in planning and preparing for a memorial service, celebration-of-life, or a scattering ceremony. While the cremation process can occur almost immediately (once all the proper paperwork is complete), the decisions required in planning a meaningful memorial for a loved one can be made in a relaxed, rational way. You can also be sure that concern for the environment ranks high among many who choose cremation. Casketed and embalmed remains take up cemetery space and can pollute the ground water but many still question the amount of atmospheric pollution created by the cremation process.
We take pride in being Delaware's exclusive minority-owned crematorium. At our facility, we offer a unique and compassionate approach to end-of-life services. With on-site cremations, we ensure that your loved one's final journey is handled with the utmost care and respect, providing a comforting and convenient experience during a difficult time. Our commitment to diversity and inclusivity shines through in every aspect of our service, making us a trusted choice for families seeking personalized and culturally sensitive cremation services.
Funeral simplicity embraces the essence of understated elegance and profound reverence. It honors the departed by focusing on the essence of their life, rather than elaborate rituals and grand gestures.
Funeral natural settings provide a serene and harmonious backdrop for bidding farewell to a loved one. Surrounded by the beauty of nature, mourners find solace in the gentle rustle of leaves, the soft chirping of birds, and the calming presence of trees.
Funeral religious requirements hold significant importance for those who follow specific religious traditions and seek to honor their faith in the final farewell of a loved one. These requirements encompass rituals, prayers, and customs that are deeply rooted in religious teachings and beliefs.
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