Cremation Glossary
Understanding cremation and direct burial services can feel overwhelming, especially during a difficult time.
Our Cremation Glossary provides clear, concise definitions of key terms to help you navigate your options with confidence and ease.
- Witnessing
The act of family or loved ones being present to observe the start of the cremation process. This can provide closure for some families and is typically available upon request.
- Alternative Container
A simple, non-ornate container used to hold the body during cremation. These containers are often made of materials like cardboard or fiberboard and are a less expensive option than traditional caskets.
- Columbarium
A structure, often found in cemeteries or memorial gardens, that contains niches where urns holding cremated remains are placed for permanent storage.
- Corrugated Cremation Container
A sturdy, cost-effective container made of corrugated cardboard designed to hold the body during the cremation process. It meets the basic requirements of a crematory.
- Cremated Remains
The ashes that result from the cremation process. Also known as cremains, they are typically returned to the family in an urn or temporary container.
- Cremation
A method of final disposition in which the body is reduced to ashes through intense heat. It is an alternative to traditional burial.
- Cremation Casket
A casket specifically designed for use during cremation. These caskets are made from materials that fully combust during the cremation process and are free of metal parts.
- Crematory
A facility equipped with specialized equipment where the cremation process is carried out.
- Direct Burial
A burial option in which the body is interred shortly after death without a viewing, visitation, or funeral ceremony. It is a simple and cost-effective alternative to traditional burial.
- Direct Cremation
A cremation option in which the body is cremated shortly after death without a viewing, visitation, or funeral ceremony. It is a straightforward and affordable choice for final disposition.
- Immediate Burial
Similar to direct burial, this is the process of burying the body soon after death without a prior viewing, visitation, or formal funeral service.
- Inurnment
The act of placing cremated remains into an urn, which may then be stored in a columbarium, buried, or kept at home.
- Memorial Service
A ceremony held to honor and remember the deceased. Unlike a traditional funeral, the body is not present, and it may take place after burial or cremation.
- Niche
A compartment within a columbarium used to hold an urn containing cremated remains.
- Scattering
The act of spreading cremated remains in a meaningful location, such as a garden, body of water, or other location significant to the deceased or their family.
- Urn
A container designed to hold cremated remains. Urns come in a variety of sizes, styles, and materials, and can be kept at home, buried, or placed in a columbarium.
