Death and Culture: Why Cremation Is Becoming So Popular
Cremation rates have been continuously growing in the United States, with the national average rate going from 3.56 percent in 1960 to 53.1 percent in 2018. This signals a cultural shift.
Like every other aspect of human life, there is a culture that surrounds death and burials and all other matters associated with it. This culture varies based on our many identifiers such as nationality, religion, ethnic group, and even social class. To get a more localized and wholesome picture of the cultural background to cremations, you might want to check the history of cremation services in Chaska, MN.
Globally, cremation began as an imperative of war. Soldiers who were killed in the foreign territory were afforded the benefit of a befitting burial in their homeland through cremation. With the spread of Christianity came a decline in the practice of cremation as it was associated with pagan practices. However, some cultures maintained the practice as a symbol of worthiness.
Cremation Today
Today, cremation services are commercially available with licensed crematoriums and specialized agencies regulating the industry. Cremation is no longer a question of a person's background as cremation has become more mainstream than ever.
Why Cremations Are So Popular
The meteoric rise of cremation as a practice cannot be dissociated from the rise of environmental protection movements globally. Increased awareness of the effects of climate change on human life has led to people choosing 'greener' and more 'sustainable' options in every aspect of their lives including burials. Traditional burials put an enormous strain on the environment. The chemicals used in embalming dead bodies, the wood used in constructing caskets, the land and water requirements of managing a cemetery, all have effects on the environment.
Also, there has been a steady shift away from religious norms in our society. Presently, less than forty percent of Americans choose to have a religious burial. Cremation gives people who do not want any religious colorations to their burial the option of a "secular" burial.
Unlike traditional burials which offer limited options to the deceased in terms of how they want to be buried, cremation gives more control. It allows a person to add more personal touches to their burial, such as having their remains scattered at their favorite river. It also allows for a shared possession of the remains of a loved one by their survivors. Survivors can divide up the ashes and even move around with them to wherever they may be in the world.
Cremation is also more time-efficient and considerably cheaper than a traditional burial. On average, funerals cost up to $11,000 while cremations cost about $7000. This is a national average, to be certain, you should check with local providers of funeral and cremation services in Chaska MN.
Is Cremation Right For You?
That depends on your situation.
Did your deceased loved one request a burial or funeral? What are your budget options? What are you looking for in terms of service?
All of these answers will help you decide if cremation is the correct choice for you and your family.
You can learn more about cremation services in Chaska, MN. Talk to us at Scott County Cremation to schedule a consultation and learn about cremation services/funeral home services. Visit our office in Minnesota or call our location.
