Cremation: From Ancient Origins to Modern Sea Farewells

Cremation’s roots were traced to its prevalence in the early Stone Age, around 3000 B.C. in Europe and the Near East. Today, and in San Diego, like many other places, the cremation rate is higher than the rate of burial. People value cremation for the flexibility it offers. This article will summarize the history of cremation, from its roots and evolution to its present widespread popularity, including the option of ash scattering at sea.

Historical Roots of Cremation

Cremation during the bronze age, around 2500 to 1000 B.C. was practiced in the British Isles and later in the Iberian Peninsula to Central Europe. Decorative pottery urns were found among Slavic communities in what is now western Russia. Cremation urns were used in northern and central Europe where cremation burial grounds were found in Hungary and northern Italy.

Greece and Rome Cremations

By the time of the Mycenaens (around 1000 B.C), cremation had been incorporated into Grecian funerary practices. During the years of Homer (around 800 B.C), it became the predominant practice due to its perceived public health benefits and its ability to honor valiant warriors. Early Romans adopted cremation around 600 B.C, to such an extent that a mid 5th century decree banned cremations within the city. During the Roman Empire, it was common practice for families to store remains in elaborate urns and to place them in columbaria.

Cremation was common in classical cultures, but was largely absent among early Christians and Jewish populations. Jews favored burial and early Christians viewed cremation as a pagan custom. Between A.D. 400 to 500, as the Christian religion became dominant, cremation in Europe was replaced by earth burial, though this was suspended during times of plague and warfare.

Modern Cremation Begins

Cremation became common in the late 19th century due to advances in building reliable chambers. This prompted organized movements in both Europe and America. Brunetti’s demonstration in 1873 sparked the movements, with the first cremation society being founded in England in 1874 by sir henry Thompson. The first cremators were built in Woking and Gotha in 1878.

In Washington, Pennsylvania, Dr. Julius LeMoyne opened the first crematory in 1876, followed by another in Lancaster, PA in 1884. This number had risen to 20 by 1900. In 1913, Dr. Hugo Erichsen established the Cremation Association of America, which became the Cremation Association of North America in 1975. At this point there are over 400 crematories. This demonstrated the steady increase in the popularity of cremation throughout the 20th century.

Cremation Today

As most people know, cremation has become the most frequent option selected in the United States. It has already surpassed burial i many states and it’s popularity continues to climb.

The percentage of cremations performed in the US continues to increase for a variety of factors such as;

It is often less expensive than traditional burials
Land space is becoming less, hense burial plots are more expensive.
It is often easier to arrange and faster.

Source: Cremation Association of North America

Cremation in the Future

In the United States, cremation is projected to reach approximately 82 percent by the mid-2040’s. This is because of many factors such as societal shifts in flexibility, cost consideration, and personal customizations. Businesses will begin to adopt more electric cremators and some trial hydrogen cremators, which in combination with alkaline hydrolysis and other “new cremation” methods (such as organic reduction), will be more widely available.

Enhanced memorials are expected to be richer using more technology. More firms will offer livestreams and cinematic tributes, while simpler and greener options will be more readily available. Ash scattering at sea will continue to be popular along the coasts for its tranquil views, family bonding and easy scheduling.