Cemeteries, burial sites, and memorials have been used for millennia to provide a final resting place for the deceased. As societies developed and evolved, along with them came various options for honoring loved ones after their passing. For those considering where to lay their loved one to rest, many options range from traditional choices, such as cemeteries and mausoleums, to modern solutions, like green burials and cremation services. This article will explore the different types of final resting places available today, whether you choose funeral or cremation services in Mohnton, PA, to help you make informed decisions about the best option for you.
Mausoleums are above-ground structures made to house the remains of several people at once. They are generally constructed out of masonry materials such as stone, granite, or marble. They can range from simple single tombs to larger complexes with multiple chambers for more elaborate interment services. Mausoleum entombment packages may include engraving on individual crypts or gravestones, flowers in the form of plaques and vases, and even stained glass windows for added personalization.
A columbarium is similar to a mausoleum, except it is designed specifically for the interment of cremated remains. The structure typically looks like an outdoor wall containing individual niches where cremated remains can be placed in sealed urns or boxes. Columbaria are often found in public parks and cemeteries and may include engraving on exterior walls for added personalization. Some modern columbaria even feature a memorial wall where family members can share photos, stories, and other memories of their loved ones. It is also possible to purchase a private columbarium niche to use at home or in a designated place of honor.
Memorials provide a tangible way to remember loved ones who have passed away. Memorials can take various forms, including plaques, statues, and other monuments commemorating specific individuals or groups. These memorials are usually placed in public parks, cemeteries, or even in private homes and provide a lasting tribute to the deceased. Memorials can also be used to honor those who have served in the military or to remember a particular event or occasion.
Green burials are an increasingly popular option for those who want to leave a more minimal environmental footprint after death. Green burials involve the burial of unembalmed bodies in biodegradable materials like cotton shrouds or wicker caskets that are free of toxic chemicals and pollutants. In addition, green burial grounds may also feature natural landscaping, with no mowing or maintenance required. The graves are also typically marked by flat stones or plantings rather than traditional headstones.
A cemetery is one of the most common forms of final resting place. Cemeteries can be public or private and typically offer various options for interment, including ground burial, mausoleum entombment (where a deceased person is placed in a crypt or chamber), and cremation. Burial plots can be purchased individually, as a family plot, or as part of a package that includes a casket and other related services.
Scattering gardens are another modern solution for those wishing to honor their loved ones after death. Scattering gardens provide a peaceful and respectful place to scatter cremated remains, often in an outdoor or landscaped garden setting. These gardens typically offer benches, trees, pathways, and other elements in remembrance of the deceased. Cremation services in Mohnton, PA, may provide a scattering garden as part of their offerings. Alternatively, gardens may be located at memorial parks or sanctuaries and made available to the public.