The Origins of Cremation in Quebec
Cremation has been part of funeral rites in many cultures for thousands of years. However, Canada’s first crematorium opened in 1901, in Montreal.
Cremation is a funeral technique designed to reduce the body of a deceased person to ashes. Along with burial, it is one of the most common techniques used by human beings worldwide to dispose of the bodies of the deceased.
“Cremation” is often confused with “incineration”. Although both terms refer to the act of burning to ashes, the word “incineration” is more commonly used when referring to objects. The word “cremation” is preferred when referring to a funeral rite.
Read this article to find out more about the origins of cremation and its place at the heart of funeral rites in Quebec.
Cremation, past and present
The first traces of cremation in funeral rites date back to the Neolithic period. At a number of archaeological sites in Europe, pottery containing the ashes of several individuals has been found, proving the use of cremation as a funeral technique as early as 2500 BC.
Then, during Antiquity, cremation was commonly used for the deaths of Roman aristocrats, including Caesar and his family. This funeral technique continued to evolve until what is known as “modern cremation”, i.e. cremation as we know it today. It came into being towards the end of the 19th century, thanks to advances in modern science.
Cremation and religion
Buddhism has always permitted cremation as a means of disposing of the body.
In Hinduism, the practice is mandatory. In India, cremation takes place on a pyre on the banks of a sacred river. The ashes are then scattered in the river.
Cremation has been authorized by the Catholic Church since 1963. However, ashes cannot be kept at home or scattered in nature. They must be preserved in cemeteries.
In the Protestant religion, cremation has been accepted since 1898.
As for the Orthodox, Muslim and Judaic religions, they do not allow cremation.
Cremation in Quebec culture
In Quebec, cremation became part of our funeral rites in 1901, with the opening of the first Canadian crematorium. It was built in Montreal’s Mount Royal Cemetery.
At the time, the debate surrounding cremation was divisive. As the Catholic Church did not approve of cremation, not everyone agreed with the construction of the crematorium. Certain amendments were therefore made to the cremation bill:
- Only individuals who own a plot in the Mount Royal Cemetery will have access to cremation services.
- A person wishing to have his or her body cremated must make a request in his or her will (excluding cremation of the body of a minor, for example).
In 1903, the committee in charge of the crematorium succeeded in making cremation available to anyone who expressed the wish in writing, for themselves or for another person in their care, be it a child, patient or other.
What the law says
Here’s some relevant information about the laws pertaining to cremation in Quebec:
- Cremation must be carried out in a crematorium operated by a funeral service company.
- Human ashes may be delivered by the funeral service company to only one person and must be placed in one or more containers, in which all the ashes must be distributed.
- No one may scatter human ashes in a place where they could constitute a nuisance or in a manner that does not respect the dignity of the deceased.
The services of Crématorium Montréal
Did you know that without any need to go anywhere, you can make arrangements for the remains of your loved one, with the help of one of our Crématorium Montréal family advisors?
We take care of everything, remotely. Check out our services to learn more.
We also offer attentive, professional cremation services following the death of a loved one.
Our team is here to help you get through this ordeal with full peace of mind.
Sources:
https://www.legisquebec.gouv.qc.ca/fr/document/lc/A-5.02
