Increase in Cremation In recent years the percent of cremations has been increasing both locally and in the United States.
In Maryland statisitics show the percentage of cremations to deaths were: 1998 - 20.41% 1999 - 21.04% The Cremation Association of North America predicts that in Maryland the percentage will increase in; 2000 to 23.43% 2010 to 52.76%
In the United States the percent of cremations in; 1998 - 23.75% 1999 - 24.80% 2000 - 26.21% is projected 2010 - 36.06% is projected
Here are some of the reasons why people are choosing cremation. - Price - Enviromental concerns - More conveinent - Less emotional
Definitions relating to cremation:
Direct Cremation- The cremation process takes place without a formal church or other type of service with the deceased body present.
Memorial Service- A service without the deceased body present. This can be a formal or informal service that can be held at almost any location. The cremains (ashes) may or may not be present. A memorial service is common with a direct cremation.
Memorial Merchandise- Includes but is not limited to urns, keepsakes and jewelry, prayer cards, memorial folders, and trees or shrubs. It is a way of remembering the deceased.
Urn- A receptacle used to hold the cremated remains. Urns are made in many different sizes, styles, and materials. Click here to see examples of urns.
Cremation Process With the increasing number of cremations comes many questions about the cremation process. Here is a brief explanation of the cremation process. The enclosed body is placed in a retort (cremation chamber)where a heat and evaporation process reduces the body to it's basic elements. These elements are commonly refered to as cremated remains or cremains. However, these resulting elements are actually bone fragments. The fragments are then processed which reduces the amount of space that is required to hold them. The complete process generally results in 3-9 pounds of cremated remains which are commonly called "ashes". The cremated remains or "ashes" are then placed in a permanent urn or temporary cremains container that is suitable for transportation.
