What is the difference between cremation and burial?

The distinction between cremation and burial fundamentally lies in how each process treats the deceased's body. Cremation reduces the remains to ashes through combustion at high temperatures, effectively transforming the body into a fine powder or ash known as cremains. This process allows for a variety of handling options afterward, such as keeping the ashes in an urn, scattering them, or even incorporating them into memorial items.

In contrast, burial involves placing the body in a grave or tomb as a whole, often within a casket. The body is then interred in the ground or entombed within a mausoleum, which allows for the traditional form of funerary practice that many cultures have engaged in for centuries.

While cost considerations, historical practices, and timelines may vary, the core definition provided in that choice accurately captures the primary difference in how each method deals with the mortal remains of an individual. Understanding this distinction is essential in grasping various funeral practices and the choices available to families when making arrangements for their loved ones.