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Cremation History and Current Trends

It is believed that cremation began around 3000 B.C. in Europe. In many cultures cremation is the preferred form of burial for reasons of health and timeliness of disposition. Religions such as Hinduism, Jainism and Buddhism mandate cremation, as the body is a catalyst to carry the soul. Cremation was considered an elaborate Grecian burial custom and became the most prevalent burial standard in 800 B.C. Although earth burial became a replacement for cremation during Constantine’s Christianized Roman Empire, cremation made a comeback as plague or war created such a need. Today, cemeteries in countries such as Japan, Tokyo and London are quickly running out of burial space, therefore cremation is preferred, if not mandated.

Over the past few decades cremation has steadily risen as a burial option. In the United States cremation is chosen over 25% of the time with projections of 40% by 2025. States such as Hawaii, Nevada, Alaska, Arizona and West Virginia have surpassed a 50% cremation rate with California, Colorado and Maine quickly approaching. Cremation is increasingly being seen as an environmentally-conscience alternative to burial and allows family members to have more control over the deceased’s burial wishes.