| Burial, also known as interment, is often a | | | | certain guidelines that must be followed to adhere |
| significant cost and undoubtedly the most | | | | to the laws of their faith. If you have questions, |
| expensive part of a funeral. Ideally, burial or | | | | always check with your religious leader, should |
| interment arrangements will be made ahead of | | | | you have one, before making any plans. |
| time with a pre-planned funeral. However, in many | | | | In many countries, the beliefs about death |
| cases, this is just not possible. Sometimes, a | | | | haven’t changed in centuries. Even in the |
| death can be unexpected due to an accident or | | | | United States, we still adhere to many rituals and |
| other circumstances. Other times, people simply | | | | funeral practices that were in place in the |
| prefer not to dwell on the topic of death or even | | | | nineteenth century. Soon, however, |
| think about it until the time comes. | | | | circumstances will force us to reexamine these |
| | | | | customs and traditions. Of course, no discussion |
| Regardless of pre-planning, a traditional burial is | | | | of burial, can exclude the major, underlying |
| very costly, not only financially, but also | | | | influence of religion. Increasingly, however, those |
| environmentally. As cemetery space becomes | | | | guidelines are changing as many other aspects of |
| rapidly and increasingly more limited, many cities | | | | religious beliefs change with time. |
| and even countries are reevaluating their | | | | Not only do religious entities put laws into affect, |
| cemetery systems. | | | | but, of course, our governments do. Most |
| | | | | governmental guidelines regarding burial will be |
| Despite the cost, cemetery interment remains | | | | explained to you by your funeral director. You |
| very popular and is the most common funeral | | | | can also research them online on your own by |
| practice. The reasons for this are because: | | | | searching for the laws of your state and region. |
| 1. In large part, this is due to the fact that many | | | | This is an important step to take even if you feel |
| people prefer to adhere to the traditions that | | | | that you know the laws of your area. |
| they know. | | | | |
| 2. There’s a lot of comfort to be found in | | | | There are a lot of misconceptions regarding |
| rituals and traditions. | | | | burial. Be sure to be informed. Still, before |
| 3. Another reason for the continued popularity of | | | | considering burial, check with your funeral director |
| interment is the fact that many religions and | | | | to make sure that you have or can obtain the |
| cultures still forbid or caution against cremation or | | | | appropriate burial permit (if needed) to allow you |
| other forms of disposition. | | | | to inter the remains of your loved one below |
| 4. Most Christian denominations have changed | | | | ground. |
| their stance on cremation, though some still have | | | | |