Honoring our loved ones after they’ve passed is an ancient tradition. And yet, it’s changed drastically throughout the years.
Whether you’re considering burial options for yourself in the future, a loved one, or you’re just curious to take a trip down the history of funeral services, this article should prove fascinating.
Keep reading as we explore a few of the most common types of burials you’ll encounter.
In-Ground
An in-ground burial is a traditional burial where the body of the deceased is placed inside of a casket and lowered into the ground.
Traditionally, the deceased is lowered six feet beneath ground level, a practice that started during an outbreak in England in 1665. What’s more, the six-foot burial was actually the law for a few years.
Though there are no legal standings anymore, we carry on the tradition today as a means of protecting our loved ones from disturbances like soil erosion.
Interment
Though cremation isn’t considered a form of burial, some families or religious individuals may choose to have their ashes placed in a specific memorial wall known as a columbarium. This ceremony, known as interment, is one of the more affordable and eco-friendly burial options.
You can find columbariums in churches, in family crypts, and as standalone structures in graveyards.
Green Burial
Speaking of eco-friendly burial options, some prefer to consider natural burial options, so their body may nourish the earth after they pass. Should someone vouch for a green burial, they choose from one of several natural burial options.
For example, the body may be wrapped in a light, decomposable cloth. Or they may choose to be buried in a forest so their body can feed natural flora.
Military Burial
Military burials are reserved for those who served in the United States military.
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs notes that certain family members could be eligible for a military burial, too. These include adult dependents, children of veterans under the age of 18, or spouses. It’s also important to note that to qualify for a military burial, the individual in question must not have received a dishonorable discharge.
So what does a military burial look like? For the most part, it looks like a standard funeral. However, military personnel may be buried with a flag.
Above Ground
Many cemeteries and memorial parks have crypts or mausoleums. Some of which may be private, while others are built specifically for a community, often a religious group.
In these circumstances, the burial is known as an above-ground burial. Like the other burial options, above-ground burials have been around for centuries, with some of the earliest examples including the pyramids of Ancient Egypt.
However, you don’t have to have a fortune for an above-ground burial. Often, personal or family mausoleums are quite affordable.
To find out more about your above-ground burial options, including what separates a memorial park from a cemetery, make sure to visit lavistamemorialpark.com.
Your Guide to the Different Types of Burials
This was only a rudimentary look into the different types of burials. For a more in-depth analysis, we suggest contacting a local mortician or researching burial plots in your area.
If you’re interested in reading our other content, make sure to check back with our blog!
