BURIAL OR CREMATION: WHICH IS THE RIGHT CHOICE?

While we have been so used to burying our dead, cremation is gaining popularity among Filipinos. The COVID-19 pandemic has a lot to do with this growing acceptance as a form of final disposition of mortal remains. At the height of the pandemic, people were left with no choice, but as we come out of the new normal, cremation has become an option. What are the advantages of cremation?

COST

On average, cremation is generally cheaper than burial. It is more economical as it allows you to avoid the cost of a casket and a more expensive memorial lot.

CEMETERY AVAILABILITY

In a lot of areas, memorial lots are becoming more scarce and expensive. Burial plots are running out in cemeteries and they may not be available at the preferred cemetery when one needs them. Cremation will thus extend the time to decide on the final place of repose.

While memorial lots are still available at various memorial parks of Eternal Gardens, columbaria or crypts are available inside the park providing the same serene atmosphere, security, and facilities for those who would opt for cremation services.

SIMPLI­CITY AND FLEXIBILITY

Interment is more complex than cremation. It will need pallbearers or even the usual funeral procession. Putting the urn in a place of repose, such as the columbarium or crypt, is simple and offers flexibility, as it allows the family to bring the urn home to celebrate special occasions, which is not possible with burial.

RELIGIOUS BELIEFS

The choice between cremation and burial is a matter of belief for some. However, for Catholics, the Catholic Church has already approved of cremation as a means of the final disposition of human remains. It only asks that the cremated remains should be accorded the same respect as an uncremated body and should be buried in cemeteries or other sacred places, such as a columbarium.

The columbaria at Eternal Gardens are not only located in a memorial park dedicated as a place of repose but have also been blessed in solemn blessing ceremonies.

BURIAL OR CREMATION: WHICH IS THE RIGHT CHOICE?

The cremation process does not disrespect the deceased. It just hastens the transformation of the body without going through the process of decay and decomposition. However, viewing the body is an important part of the Filipino funeral ritual; for the body is not a cadaver but the person with whom we had a personal relationship. Viewing the beloved for the last time is part, for so many Filipinos, of grieving and saying goodbye. Moreover, even funeral rites are biased towards having the presence of the body.

Many people mistakenly believe that choosing cremation as an option makes this impossible. On the contrary, there can still be a solemn viewing before the deceased is brought to the crematory, although it will negate any reduction of funeral expenses.

BURIAL OR CREMATION IS A PERSONAL CHOICE

The decision to go for cremation or burial is deeply personal, for it confronts the issue of dying. Some may feel the need to make that decision NOW; but with Eternal Plans, you can prepare for both by getting a life plan todayand make your decision later.

At the moment, you may be inclined towards the traditional memorial services. But when the time comes, cremation may be the most appropriate option. Eternal Plans’ life plans provide memorial services at the time of need. The same life plan may be used to render cremation services or traditional (burial) memorial services or both.

ETERNAL MEMORIAL SERVICES

Whether you opt for cremation or burial the Eternal Memorial Services Group can help: Your life plan with Eternal Plans can facilitate the memorial services at the time of need; Eternal Chapels can render the funeral services; Eternal Crematory can provide the cremation services, and Eternal Gardens can provide the memorial lot or crypt.