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| ==Origin== | | ==Origin== |
| [[Latin]] ''crematus'', past participle of ''cremare'' to burn up, cremate | | [[Latin]] ''crematus'', past participle of ''cremare'' to burn up, cremate |
− | *[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/19th_century 1874] | + | *[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/19th_century 1874] |
| ==Definition== | | ==Definition== |
| *1: to reduce (as a [[dead]] [[body]]) to ashes by burning | | *1: to reduce (as a [[dead]] [[body]]) to ashes by burning |
| ==Description== | | ==Description== |
− | '''Cremation''' is the use of high-temperature burning, [[vaporization]], and oxidation to reduce dead [[animal]] bodies, including [[human]] ones, to basic [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chemical_compound chemical compounds], such as gases and mineral fragments retaining the appearance of dry bone. Cremation may serve as a [[funeral]] or post-funeral [[rite]] that is an alternative to the interment of an intact body in a [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coffin coffin] or casket. Cremated remains, which do not constitute a [[health]] risk, may be [[buried]] or interred in [[memorial]] sites or cemeteries, or they may be legally retained by relatives and [[dispersed]] in various ways. Cremation is not an alternative to a [[funeral]], but rather an alternative to [[burial]] or other forms of disposal. | + | '''Cremation''' is the use of high-temperature burning, [[vaporization]], and oxidation to reduce dead [[animal]] bodies, including [[human]] ones, to basic [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chemical_compound chemical compounds], such as gases and mineral fragments retaining the appearance of dry bone. Cremation may serve as a [[funeral]] or post-funeral [[rite]] that is an alternative to the interment of an intact body in a [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coffin coffin] or casket. Cremated remains, which do not constitute a [[health]] risk, may be [[buried]] or interred in [[memorial]] sites or cemeteries, or they may be legally retained by relatives and [[dispersed]] in various ways. Cremation is not an alternative to a [[funeral]], but rather an alternative to [[burial]] or other forms of disposal. |
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− | In many countries, cremation is usually done in a crematorium, but other countries prefer [[different]] [[methods]], such as [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pyre open-air cremation] in India and in Nepal. | + | In many countries, cremation is usually done in a crematorium, but other countries prefer [[different]] [[methods]], such as [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pyre open-air cremation] in India and in Nepal. |
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− | Cremation might be preferable for [[environmental]] reasons. [[Burial]] is a known source of certain environmental [[contaminants]], with the coffin itself being the major contaminant, though [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Natural_burial natural burials] are also possible. Another environmental concern is that [[traditional]] burial takes up a great deal of [[space]]. In a traditional burial, the body is [[buried]] in a casket made from a variety of materials. In the United States, the casket is often placed inside a concrete vault or liner before burial in the ground. While individually this may not take much room, combined with other burials, it can over time cause serious [[space]] concerns. Many [[cemeteries]], particularly in Japan and Europe as well as those in larger [[cities]], have run out of permanent space. In Tokyo, for example, traditional [[burial]] plots are extremely scarce and expensive, and in London, a space crisis led [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harriet_Harman Harriet Harman] to propose reopening old graves for "double-decker" burials. | + | Cremation might be preferable for [[environmental]] reasons. [[Burial]] is a known source of certain environmental [[contaminants]], with the coffin itself being the major contaminant, though [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Natural_burial natural burials] are also possible. Another environmental concern is that [[traditional]] burial takes up a great deal of [[space]]. In a traditional burial, the body is [[buried]] in a casket made from a variety of materials. In the United States, the casket is often placed inside a concrete vault or liner before burial in the ground. While individually this may not take much room, combined with other burials, it can over time cause serious [[space]] concerns. Many [[cemeteries]], particularly in Japan and Europe as well as those in larger [[cities]], have run out of permanent space. In Tokyo, for example, traditional [[burial]] plots are extremely scarce and expensive, and in London, a space crisis led [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harriet_Harman Harriet Harman] to propose reopening old graves for "double-decker" burials. |
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− | Some [[cities]] in Germany do not have plots for sale, only for lease. When the lease expires the remains are disinterred and a specialist bundles the bones, inscribes the forehead of skull with the [[information]] that was on the headstone, and places the remains in a special crypt.[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cremation] | + | Some [[cities]] in Germany do not have plots for sale, only for lease. When the lease expires the remains are disinterred and a specialist bundles the bones, inscribes the forehead of skull with the [[information]] that was on the headstone, and places the remains in a special crypt.[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cremation] |
| ==See also== | | ==See also== |
| *'''''[[Burial]]''''' | | *'''''[[Burial]]''''' |