A crematorium is a facility that houses a furnace used to heat the refractory bricks in the chamber that incinerates the dead and reduces their corpses to skeletal remains and bone fragments. The bricks lining the chamber have to be replaced every five years.
But what is their main purpose? Let’s take a look.
What Is a Crematorium?
A crematorium is a place that contains a furnace used to incinerate anything that cannot be decomposed, particularly the deceased. Several European countries and the United States use the term “crematorium,” which is derived from the Latin word “cremare,” meaning “to burn.”
The term was first used in the late 19th century during the Victorian era to describe an immense brick construction with a chimney that could accommodate a large fire. In the 19th century, cremation was deemed as the primary method of getting rid of the deceased.
The Cremation Process
During the Victorian era, cremation was performed by the wealthy, who could afford to pay a surgeon to attend. During that time, cremation was banned in several countries.
Because cremation was not allowed by the Church, the deceased would be buried in a cemetery. A popular practice during that time was the memento mori, which refers to the objects that were placed on the coffin of the deceased to remind the living of their own mortality.
In 1902, the first crematorium was built in Britain, and the first to be built in the United States was in 1876 in New York City.
It was not until the twentieth century that the first crematorium was built in the United States.
Why Cremation Is Important
1) Quicker Processing of the Dead
Cremation is becoming increasingly popular in the United States. The main reason for its popularity is because it is faster, cheaper, and better for the environment.
The deceased can be cremated within 30 minutes, depending on the size and weight of the body. This is unlike traditional burial, which takes 3 to 4 days before the body is buried.
This is not only good for the ecosystem, but it also relieves the burden of the family from paying for the funeral and services.
2) Lower Cost of Burial
Cremation is cheaper when compared to what most people can afford. This is because it does not require the use of expensive and unnecessary caskets, embalming fluid, or funeral service.
The cost varies based on the place where the body will be cremated. Because they are not bound by federal regulations, crematories can charge what they want.
3) Cremation Is Cheaper
You do not have to hire a funeral director, embalmers, or other funeral services. Cremation does not require any of these services, so the family will not be burdened by the cost of these services.
Usually, the cremation can cost you a few hundred dollars only. This is considered a much cheaper option as compared to what many families have to pay for traditional burial.
Conclusion
Cremation is becoming increasingly popular in the United States. It is faster, cheaper, and better for the environment. If you’re considering cremation for your loved one or yourself when the time comes, know that you’re making a good decision.
Honor your loved ones by giving them only the best and proper send-off. For affordable cremation services in Jacksonville, FL, Evergreen JAX has you covered. We will take care of everything you need so you can focus on celebrating the life of the dearly departed. Get in touch with us today!
