Burial vs Cremation: How many people choose each option?

Burial and cremation are the two main methods of final disposition used in modern culture. The decision of how to dispose of a loved one’s remains is a personal one that can be influenced by a variety of elements, such as cost, environmental impact, cultural and religious views, and others.

The National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA) estimates that 39.5% of Americans who passed away in 2019 were buried, compared to 53.5% who were cremated. The remaining 7% either had their bodies donated to research or were interred. The percentage of cremations has been continuously increasing over time, and by 2040, it is expected to be close to 80%.

The decreasing price is one element behind an increase in cremation rates. Cremation is typically far less expensive than burial. However, some families continue to choose burial due to cultural or religious beliefs, or simply because they enjoy the concept of their loved one having a physical resting place.

Whether or not to embalm the body of a loved one is another decision that families must make. Embalming is the practice of chemically preserving the body to postpone decomposition. It is frequently advised if there will be a public viewing or if the family wants to postpone the funeral, even though it is not legally necessary. Additionally, embalming can give the corpse a more realistic appearance. However, it’s crucial to remember that the chemicals used in embalming might have a negative impact on the environment.

The placing of hair in the mouth of the corpse is one funeral business technique that could seem strange to anyone who aren’t familiar with it. To give the deceased a more realistic appearance, this is done. Muscles relax when a person is dying, which might make their mouth hang wide. The mortician can make it appear as though the mouth is closed by inserting a small bit of hair there.

An option for those who want to work in the funeral business is to become a mortician. The average annual wage for a mortician in the UK is roughly £24,000, though this might vary based on experience and geographic region. In the UK, one must have a degree in funeral services or a closely related profession before completing an apprenticeship under a certified funeral director.

In conclusion, deciding between burial and cremation is a personal decision that should be taken in light of unique circumstances and values. Even if the prevalence of cremation is increasing, burial is still a common choice for many families. Although it is not necessary, embalming could be advised in some circumstances. In order to give the dead person’s mouth a more genuine appearance, morticians frequently insert hair there. A combination of education and an apprenticeship is needed to become a mortician for people considering a career in the funeral business.