Cremation

Cremation is a method of <a href="/facts/Disposal_of_human_corpses/J5YsXVCw">final disposition</a> of a <a href="/facts/Corpse/g3SzbFxy">corpse</a> through <a href="/facts/Combustion/ohQoWj8z">burning</a>.
Cremation may serve as a <a href="/facts/Funeral/IW4X3mcx">funeral</a> or post-funeral rite and as an alternative to <a href="/facts/Burial/Pwz8EyUx">burial</a>. In some countries, including <a href="/facts/India/1kKHcnxM">India</a>, <a href="/facts/Nepal/yWCzTBR2">Nepal</a>, and <a href="/facts/Syria/7pDXGzq8">Syria</a>, cremation on an <a href="/facts/Pyre/rvRJW5Dg">open-air pyre</a> is an ancient tradition. Starting in the 19th century, cremation was introduced or reintroduced into other parts of the world. In modern times, cremation is commonly carried out with a <a href="/facts/Crematorium/BbevQL8a">closed furnace (cremator)</a>, at a crematorium.
Cremation leaves behind an average of 2.4 kg (5.3 lb) of remains known as ashes or cremains. This is not all <a href="/facts/Ash/zG3qeoIq">ash</a> but includes unburnt fragments of bone mineral, which are commonly ground into powder. They are inorganic and inert, and thus do not constitute a health risk and may be buried, interred in a memorial site, retained by relatives or scattered in various ways.

Cremation open-in-new

Cremation