When a family is faced with the loss of a loved one who did not share their last wishes during their lifetime, one of the most difficult decisions to make is the choice between cremation and burial. These two options for disposal of the body differ in process, symbolism and cost.

Choosing between cremation and inhumation is a decision that should not be taken lightly. In order to do so, it is essential to consider the wishes of the deceased, their religious or cultural beliefs, as well as the family’s personal preferences.

This article explores the differences between cremation and inhumation and highlights the advantages of each option to help you or a loved one make an informed choice.

 

What is cremation?

Cremation consists of incinerating the body of a deceased person at very high temperatures (800 to 1,000°C) until only ashes remain. This process takes place in a specialized furnace, called a crematorium, and generally takes between 1 and 2 hours.

After cremation, the ashes of the deceased are collected and placed in a funerary urn. The family can then choose to keep the ashes, bury them or scatter them.

 

Advantages of cremation

Among the various ways of disposing of the body after death, cremation offers its share of advantages that deserve to be observed in depth.

 

Flexibility and personalization

Cremation offers great freedom of choice as to how ashes are disposed of. You can keep the ashes at home or in a columbarium. They can as well be scattered in a meaningful place.

You can also opt for a biodegradable urn and bury the ashes in a cemetery or other suitable place of commemoration. It is even possible to incorporate the ashes into commemorative objects, such as jewelry or reliquaries.

 

Low cost and low maintenance

Cremation is generally less expensive than burial. There are no costs associated with the purchase of a cemetery plot, the construction of the funeral monument or its maintenance.

At Crématorium Montréal, our basic cremation package is an affordable option that allows everyone to have access to dignity, even after their great departure.

 

What is inhumation?

Inhumation, also known as burial, is a traditional method of disposing of the body. With inhumation, the body of the deceased is placed in a coffin and buried in a cemetery. This process involves preparing the body, placing the coffin in a grave and, often, installing a funerary monument, also known as a headstone.

Burial provides a physical place where family and friends of the deceased can gather and pay their respects.

 

Advantages of inhumation

Like cremation, burial offers its own advantages as a means of disposing of the body following a death.

 

Traditions and perpetuity

Burial remains a deeply rooted practice in many cultures and religions. For some families, it represents a sacred rite that plays an important role in the grieving process.

 

A place of remembrance

Inhumation provides loved ones with a tangible, permanent place where they can go to honor the memory of the deceased. This can be a source of comfort to those who find solace in regular visits to the cemetery.

 

Why choose cremation as a method of body disposal?

Cremation is an increasingly popular body disposal option in the province of Quebec. Here are some of the reasons why 80% of its population chose cremation in 2024.

 

A flexible offer

One of the main advantages of cremation is the flexibility it offers families. Unlike burial, where the place of remembrance is limited to a cemetery, cremation allows families to choose a meaningful place of remembrance for the deceased and their loved ones.

 

A simple process

The cremation process is generally simpler and faster than that of burial. Fewer administrative formalities are required, easing the logistical burden on grieving families following the loss of a loved one.

 

An affordable option

As burial is more costly due to the purchase of a cemetery plot and the cost of maintaining the funeral monument, cremation is a more affordable alternative. What’s more, urns are available to suit all tastes and budgets.

 

Cremation or inhumation: how to make the right funeral choice?

The choice between cremation and burial in Montreal depends on a number of factors. Here are some criteria to help you make the best choice for you:

 

What are your beliefs, traditions and personal preferences?

The choice between cremation and burial often depends on the religious or cultural beliefs of the deceased or their family. Some religions prefer inhumation, while others recommend cremation.

 

What is your budget and what are your financial resources for long-term maintenance?

Cremation is generally a more cost-effective option for disposing of the body. It eliminates the expense of purchasing cemetery space and a memorial, in addition to the cost of maintenance, which must be carried out over the years.

 

Where and how would you like to pay your respects?

Cremation allows families to personalize the place of remembrance in a more flexible way, which can offer greater freedom to honor the memory of the deceased according to the personal preferences of the deceased or their family.

 

Crématorium Montréal: for a planned cremation or following a death

Whether you choose cremation or burial, each option offers advantages and features that can meet the specific needs of each family.

If you’d like to learn more about Crématorium Montréal’s services, please contact us. Our team can guide you towards a simplified cremation, whether you’re planning it yourself or following the death of a loved one.

 

FAQ (frequently asked questions)

 

What’s the difference between cremation and inhumation?

Cremation is a process in which the body is incinerated in a specialized high-temperature furnace. The ashes are then preserved in an urn, scattered or buried. Conversely, inhumation involves burying the body in a cemetery, often accompanied by a funerary monument.

 

Why choose cremation over inhumation?

Cremation is an increasingly popular option, thanks to its many advantages. Cremation is often more affordable and flexible than burial. In addition to offering the possibility of personalizing the burial site, cremation eliminates the costs associated with purchasing a cemetery plot and building and maintaining a funeral monument.

 

What is the average cost of a cremation in the Greater Montreal area?

The cost of a cremation in Montreal varies according to the services chosen. In general, cremation is less expensive than burial. By choosing not to have a ceremony or opting for an entry-level urn, you can make cremation a very affordable disposal option.

 

Is it possible to personalize funeral services when choosing cremation?

Cremation offers great freedom of personalization. Ashes can be placed in personalized funeral urns or even scattered in a meaningful location. Some families also choose to transform ashes into commemorative objects, such as jewelry or reliquaries.

 

Is it possible to make funeral prearrangements for a cremation?

Yes, it is definitely possible to make funeral prearrangements for a cremation. By planning your funeral prearrangements and cremation, you free your loved ones from many difficult decisions at the time of mourning and ensure that your wishes are respected.

 

 

Sources:

https://www.resonance-funeraire.com/magazine/actu/7196-funeraire-france-quebec-regards-croises.html

https://www.cremationassociation.org/uploads/1/4/7/4/147494009/2024statsreportsummary.pdf