Is Traditional Burial or Cremation Right for Your Loved One?

purple flowers growing in a cemetery

Cremation is the process of turning a deceased human body into “ashes” through a process of exposure to open flames which have extreme heat, ultimately causing evaporation. Although this may sound out of the ordinary, it is actually one of the most common and accepted methods of honoring the deceased. It can be difficult to choose between cremation and a traditional burial as they both have their own unique benefits and drawbacks, but hopefully the explanation below will help make the decision a little easier.

Differences Between a Traditional Burial & Cremation

There are many factors to consider when choosing an honorary ceremony for your deceased loved ones. One major deciding factor can often be the monetary cost of the process. Cremation is usually significantly less expensive than a traditional burial because it doesn’t require embalming or a permanent casket. On the other hand, for some a traditional burial is more desirable due to the natural decomposition of the human body, as opposed to the relatively quick process of cremation. Another important difference between cremation and traditional burial is the memorial process. While one is not necessarily better than another, each family has their own preference.

How to Know Which is Right for Your Family?

Only you and your family can decide what the right choice is for honoring your loved one. Although there are some important factors to consider, such as the costs, the only one that can make the right decision is your family, as they are both fantastic ways to memorialize loved ones.

If you would like to learn more about the types of burial services we offer or if you have any additional questions, please contact Louis Cicalese, Cemetery President and Trustee today.

Louis Cicalese, cemetery trustee in New Jersey is president of the board of the historic Harleigh Cemetery and serves as an advisor to a number of non-profit cemetery organizations in New Jersey.

What is a Mausoleum?

mausoleum-at-louis-cicalese-cemetery

All over the world descendants from different backgrounds and cultures have found unique ways to honor their recently departed family members and loved ones. Though various honorary ceremonies have been created throughout history, one common and interesting practice has remained prominent through time: the mausoleum.

How is a Mausoleum Different Than a Grave?

Although a variety of buildings, structures, and other locations can be considered mausoleums, the general definition is a building built to enclose an interment or house the deceased. All throughout mausoleums are compartments where caskets are stored, as opposed to a traditional ground burial. Some mausoleums have underground components, but the most common are strictly above ground. This is often preferable to family members of the deceased as the casket remains will stay dry, whereas moisture can be a common issue in traditional cemeteries with a ground burial.

What Makes Mausoleums Desirable?

Mausoleums have plenty of advantages that make them sought after beyond just the ability to keep the caskets entombed within it dry. One major advantage of mausoleums is the ecological impact they have. Since they are built with multiple floors and have strategically organized compartments for the caskets, the amount of land required is significantly less than a cemetery. Another advantage is the ability to visit the site of a deceased love one in comfort year-round, due to the interior being protected from poor weather and temperature conditions. Mausoleums can be a simpler and less expensive overall than an in-ground burial, which also gives them a financial advantage over traditional burials. Finally, some mausoleums even have appropriate music to fill the background as well as benches to rest on.

If you would like to learn more about mausoleums or if you have any additional questions, please contact Louis Cicalese, Cemetery President and Trustee today.

Louis Cicalese, cemetery trustee in New Jersey is president of the board of the historic Harleigh Cemetery and serves as an advisor to a number of non-profit cemetery organizations in New Jersey.