How would you like your final resting place to limited by only your imagination? The possibilities of what can be done to your ashes if you choose cremation are only one of the many factors that have contributed to its rapid rise in popularity. Cremation is being selected more frequently than ever before, with 43.5% of the population in 2015 being cremated. Compared to 1958, when only 3.6% of the population chose cremation, there has been a 1238% rise in popularity for this option. While a multitude of factors have contributed, flexibility and creativity are among the most impactful.
In May 2012, Scotty, from Star Trek, was “beamed up” to his final resting place. James Doohan’s ashes, the actor who portrayed the iconic Star Trek engineer, were launched into space along with 307 others. Although Doohan had died 7 years earlier, his family had preserved some of his cremains that a private company were able to send into orbit.
Once a body is cremated, the family does not need to immediately perform a burial or any other ritual, with the cremains. The cremains are the ashes a family receives following the cremation, and the list is virtually endless when considering the creative options available to craft the perfect send-off, memorial, or tribute to your loved ones. In the case of James Doohan, sending his ashes into a space—a most fitting tribute for the iconic space engineer—would not have been possible if his family had opted for a traditional burial. With the convenience of storing his cremains, they were able to provide some for his send off into space a full seven years after his death. Additionally, some of his ashes were spread through Pudget Sound in Washington, highlighting the possibility of multiple options when selecting a loved one’s final resting place, or in this case, places.
While space may not be one’s desired final resting place, other creative options include incorporating cremains into various objects, such as fireworks, diamond rings, vinyl records, teddy bears, bullets, and stained glass windows. Despite the many ways to utilize cremains, more traditional options still remain, such as interring them in a traditional cemetery, if desired. The creative options are not the only ones to influence the rise in cremation’s popularity.
Demographics, economics, environmental concerns, and the ability to better prepare for one’s own departure have all contributed to the rise in cremations. Whereas a burial costs on average $8300, cremations average $3100. While burials require land and more materials, cremation requires much less. In the past, religious organizations that once look unfavorably on cremation have changed their views. The Catholic Church forbade cremations until 1963, but now many Catholics find comfort in their theologically sanctioned choice of cremation. Some churches have even built their crematoriums to serve members of their congregations.
With 70% of the population expected to choose cremation in the year 2030, questions will continue to be asked about its benefits. Fortunately, we already have the answers to why cremation may be the right choice for you. If you have a preference for personalized and less traditional services, or environmental or financial concerns, then cremation may be the choice for you.