Burial
Burial refers to the process of placing a deceased person's body into a final resting place in the ground.
Burial is one of the most common methods of Final Disposition for human Remains and has cultural, religious, and personal significance for many people.
Most often, the deceased's body is placed into a Casket, then into a Grave, typically within a designated area, known as a Cemetery.
Burial is a common final disposition choice for many families, as it provides a physical place where loved ones can visit and pay their respects.
The process typically involves several steps:
Preparation of the Body: Before burial, the deceased's body may be prepared for a Viewing by using Embalming or other preservation methods to temporarily delay decomposition, especially if there will be a delay between death and burial.
Casket or Coffin Selection: The deceased person is placed in a casket, which is a container designed for the respectful and dignified storage of the body. Caskets come in various styles and materials.
Funeral or Graveside Service: Many burials are preceded by a Funeral or Graveside Service, where family and friends gather to pay their respects, offer condolences, and participate in religious or cultural rituals.
Transportation to the Cemetery: The casket, along with the deceased person's body, is transported to the chosen cemetery or burial site.
Graveside Ceremony: At the cemetery, a graveside ceremony may take place, where final prayers, readings, or other rituals are performed. The casket is then lowered into the Burial Plot.
Burial: The casket is lowered into the grave, and soil is typically placed over it until the grave is filled. In some cases, a Burial Vault or Grave Liner may be used to protect the casket and prevent the ground from sinking. Cemeteries typically charge an Opening and Closing Fee for these services.
Gravestone or Marker: A Headstone, Marker, or memorial plaque is often placed at the gravesite to provide a lasting tribute and record important information about the deceased person, such as their name, birth and death dates, and sometimes meaningful inscriptions or Epitaphs.
Maintenance and Visitation: Family and friends may visit the gravesite to pay their respects, leave flowers, or engage in other customs to honor the memory of the deceased. A cemetery will charge Endowment Care for these types of services.
