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.