Families have a wide range of alternatives when it comes to making plans for the end of life. Crematorium and funeral home are two words that are frequently used interchangeably, however they do not refer to the same thing. Making decisions during a challenging moment might be made easier if you are aware of the differences between the two.
A facility that specialized in cremation is known as a crematorium. The body is subjected to intense heat until it is reduced to bone fragments. Then, these remains are broken down into a fine powder that can be kept in an urn or dispersed in a particular area. Funeral ceremonies and viewings are normally not offered in crematoriums, though some may have modest chapels or gathering areas that relatives can utilize before to or following the cremation.
A funeral home, on the other hand, is a place that offers a variety of services connected to dying and sorrow. This can involve the preparation of the body for the funeral, embalming, visits, viewings, memorial services, and more. Funeral houses may also provide cremation services, but this is not their exclusive offering. Families have a variety of alternatives, including traditional burial, cremation with a memorial service, and others.
When talking about funeral homes, a common query is why they occasionally have a bad odor. This might be as a result of the embalming procedure, which uses chemicals to preserve the body. Funeral homes take precautions to reduce the stench this operation may cause as much as feasible. In order to create a comforting ambiance, some funeral homes may also contain a slight scent of flowers or incense.
The removal of eyes during the embalming procedure is another matter that could come up. This is a widespread misconception, but it is untrue. Except when there is a clear medical need, morticians do not remove eyes or any other organs during the embalming procedure. Usually, the entire procedure is conducted with utmost regard and care for the body.
Even without embalming, a body can still be prepared and displayed before burial or cremation. This might not always be an option, though. For example, embalming might be mandated by law for public health concerns if the body has been in a condition of decay or has certain contagious diseases.
Last but not least, you may be perplexed as to why a place where cremated ashes are kept is referred to as a columbarium. “Columbarium” is derived from the Latin word columba, which means “dove.” Columbaria were buildings used to house doves and pigeons in ancient Rome. The phrase eventually came to refer to structures that housed urns carrying cremated remains. Today, cemeteries, churches, and other places may contain columbaria.
In conclusion, despite their apparent similarities, crematoriums and funeral homes are separate establishments that provide different services. Planning end-of-life preparations for yourself or a loved one can be complicated, but knowing the distinctions between the two can help you make wise choices.
An urn is a container used to hold cremains.