Whatever your feelings about cremation at the moment, the practice has become increasingly common over the years. As individuals become more educated about the process and what it entails, much of the mystique has been replaced with knowledge. By and large, more and more people seem to like the idea. If you’re looking for more information on cremations in the Southport, IN, area, an expert funeral director would be pleased to speak with you in a caring and professional fashion. There’s no reason for something like cremation to remain a mystery. More Americans are turning thereto each year.

And the numbers don’t lie.

According to the Cremation Association of North America (CANA), cremations are on pace to increase from a usage rate of 51.6 percent in 2017 to 57.8 percent in 2022. In 2002, just 28.2 percent of deaths resulted in cremation. That improved to 43.3 percent by 2012, a significant adjustment over the course of just 10 years. CANA’s projections suggest that the reliance upon cremation will begin to plateau a bit and experience somewhat slower growth. But the trends remain clear: Cremation has become a much more popular option than it was just 20 years ago.

Something has likely changed when it comes to how cremation is generally viewed. And because of a growing population that may now require more economical options, cremation has increasingly begun to check off those financial boxes, as well. It’s even more environmentally friendly than a traditional burial.

In addition to practical considerations, however, much of the change may have to do with an increasing awareness of cremation. The increased availability of information online and on television means that it’s much easier for individuals and families to become informed of their options, better understanding what’s at stake in the process. This increased exposure may have removed much of the confusion surrounding cremation and proven that it remains an incredibly dignified option.

After all, cremation often does a much better job of meeting various needs. For those wanting a common place a visitation, ashes can of course be buried or interred. They can also be displayed in an urn or even turned into jewelry or artwork. With so many options associated with celebrating one’s life (including scattering the ashes wherever one might have felt most alive), the freedom may be increasingly attractive to people interested in doing things a bit differently.

Are the days of traditional casket burials completely behind us? Not exactly, and they probably never will. Being buried next to loved one or by way of a more traditional graveside ceremony is still comforting to a great memory, sometimes better fitting someone’s personality and honoring them in kind. But there’s no doubt that norms are changing—and opinions along with them.

If you or someone you know is looking into Southport, IN, cremations, consider reaching out to the O’Riley - Branson Funeral Service & Crematory. We pride ourselves on handling your needs in a compassionate and dignified fashion. You can always visit us at 6107 S East St Indianapolis, IN 46227 or place a phone call to (317) 787-8224.