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Cremations

The History of Cremation and Where It's Headed

December 26, 2022 • Teri Vila-Caballero

cremation services in North Miami Beach, FL

It’s not a secret that cremation services in North Miami Beach, FL, have been on the rise. In fact, in just the last decade, the number of cremations has increased by more than 40%.

Cremation is a controversial practice that has been used for thousands of years. It remains a controversial practice today, as it raises questions about the ethics of disposing of human remains and what we do with our bodies after death.

This article will explore common questions about cremation and how it has evolved.

A Brief History of Cremation

Cremation has been practiced for thousands of years, yet often the origins of this funeral practice are shrouded in mystery. Evidence of cremation dates back to some of the earliest Neolithic sites, where burnt bones were discovered by archaeologists. These findings are discussed further in History of Cremation: Prehistoric Times. Cremation practices are known from nearly every ancient civilization, including the Sumerians, Assyrians, Babylonians, Greeks, Romans, and Chinese. Although it was once believed that cremation was an exclusively eastern practice and that ancient Greece and Rome had universally buried their dead, it is now clear from archaeological evidence that cremation was practiced in those societies as well.

Cremation has been the predominant burial practice in Hinduism since its earliest days and accounts for about 80% of burials today. The religion teaches that a body is merely a temporary vessel for the spirit or soul (atman), which will be reincarnated into another body upon death.

The rise of cremation in the United States.

Cremation is a growing trend in the United States. In 2000, only a few Americans were cremated; by 2022, that number is expected to increase. The rise of cremation in the United States has a lot to do with our culture and how we view death. Cremation has become associated with the idea of “green burial.” This means that more people are choosing cremation than ever before. If you’re considering cremation for yourself or a loved one, it’s good to know what you’re getting into and why so many people are turning to this method for their final resting place.

Cremation offers several benefits over traditional burial methods, including:

  • Saving money and space
  • Avoiding toxic embalming chemicals
  • Being able to keep loved ones’ ashes close by
  • Being able to scatter ashes in places meaningful to your loved one’s life

Cremation trends to watch for in the future.cremation services in North Miami Beach, FL

Cremation, the practice of cremating a body and then scattering the ashes, is growing in popularity. But what does this mean for the future of the funeral industry? What trends should you watch out for as cremation continues to rise? Here are three trends you need to know about:

  • More people are choosing cremation because it’s more environmentally friendly.
  • Cremation is becoming increasingly popular among young adults and millennials.
  • There’s a growing demand for natural burials, which involve biodegradable methods.

Join the conversation

Cremation services North Miami Beach, FL, is a long-standing practice in the United States. It’s not going anywhere any time soon, but it has changed over time as we’ve grown as a country. We’re going to see even more change in the future as people keep coming up with new ways to use ashes and make cremation services more meaningful than ever before.

Teri Vila-Caballero

Teri Vila-Caballero

Teri Vila-Caballero is the Pre Need Director at Ferdinand Funeral Homes & Crematory. She joined the team in 2012 to fulfill her calling to serve our community.

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