In a Move Away From Tradition, Cremations Increase

Cremation, as opposed to burial, is quickly becoming the preferred method of dealing with remains. According to the National Funeral Directors Association, the cremation rate in 2016 exceeded 50%. Burials only accounted for 43.5% of funerals last year, which represents an almost 2% drop from 2015.

There are a number of possible reasons for the increases seen in cremation services. Part of this trend may be attributed to the fact that cremation is cheaper, sometimes much cheaper, than traditional burial arrangements. Typically, cremations are about a third of the cost of a traditional burial. This factor weighs heavily on families who may be dealing with parents or loved ones who left few resources to cover these expenses.

Another possible source behind the higher cremation statistics may be the waning influence of religious restrictions. The Catholic Church has allowed cremation for decades. In 1963, the Vatican noted its preference for traditional burial, but stated that cremation was not a reason to deny a decedent their burial rites. Last year, the church took note of the continuously increasing number of cremations and encouraged Catholics to ensure that such remains were deposited in cemeteries or other approved locations. Guidelines set out by Pope Francis were clear in their directive prohibiting the scattering of the ashes.

In addition to costs and decreasing religious influence, another benefit of cremation is that sometimes it is just easier. Cremation provides families more time to consider what to do with remains. As our society becomes increasingly more mobile and scattered, this creates a bit of breathing room for scheduling and making travel arrangements. Whatever the reason may be on an individual basis, cremation is steadily becoming the preferred method of disposing of remains.

See James Barron, In a Move Away From Tradition, Cremations Increase, The New York Times, August 10, 2017.

Special thanks to Lewis Saret (Attorney, Washington, D.C.) for bringing this article to my attention.