Funeral plans are necessary since death is a natural part of existence. The task of supplying goods and services for a deceased person’s burial or cremation falls under the purview of the funeral industry. The sector has a global market value in the billions of millions, with the US alone accounting for almost $20 billion annually.
The main companies in the funeral sector include cemeteries, crematoriums, and funeral homes. These businesses provide services such casket sales, funeral planning, embalming, and burial plot sales. Depending on the location, kind of service, and other elements, the price of funeral services might vary significantly. The typical funeral expense in the United States might be anywhere between $6,000 and $10,000.
Soldiers are frequently laid to rest without shoes, which is an interesting fact about funerals. This custom originates from a time when it was thought that a person’s shoes contained their soul. Soldiers would be laid to rest without shoes so that their souls may wander. As a mark of honor and respect for those who have served their country, the custom is still practiced today.
In a similar vein, civilians are frequently laid to rest without shoes. This is more of a personal or cultural preference than a mandate. Some families may decide to include shoes in the funeral clothing for their loved one, while others may decide not to.
Another thing that can cross your thoughts is the reason cemeteries don’t smell bad. This is because sealed caskets and embalming fluids are used. The procedure of embalming involves employing chemicals to preserve a body. This procedure lessens odor and slows down the decay of the body. A possible odor is also kept in check by sealed caskets.
Funeral homes generate income from the sale of things like caskets and urns as well as fees for the services they provide. They might also provide other services like floral design and limo rentals. Many funeral establishments are run and controlled by families, and some of them might even provide pre-planning services for people who want to organize their own funeral in advance.
In conclusion, the funeral business is both necessary and profitable. Funeral costs might vary widely, but on average, they are several thousand dollars in the United States. Soldiers are frequently laid to rest without shoes as a mark of respect, and civilians are free to follow suit. Because embalming fluids and sealed caskets are used, cemeteries don’t smell bad. By charging fees for their services and selling goods, funeral houses generate income.
A small number of powerful companies, like Service Corporation International (SCI), Carriage Services, and StoneMor Partners, dominate the funeral business. However, there are a lot of independent, tiny, family-run cemeteries and funeral houses as well.
There are numerous businesses that produce caskets, but Batesville Casket Company, a division of Hillenbrand Inc., is one of the biggest and most well-known.