Cremation vs. Burial: Exploring Different Funeral Options
In Singapore, after a person passes, cremation is seen as the due course of action after the funeral is over. This evolved into the “default” option it is today due to land scarcity on the small island, as developments take over previous cemetery plots. However, burial remains as an available option for those who require it.
As a significant chapter in one’s lives, the choice between cremation and burial funeral options transcends mere logistics. The choice between these two after-funeral options involves considerations from a few aspects; usually cultural, religious, environmental, practical, or a combination of them. As a nation with diverse traditions and beliefs, understanding the dynamics is crucial to the final decision between cremation or burial.
Before you decide on either, here are the most important factors to consider listed to help you cover them.
Cultural and religious
Singapore’s multicultural society is home to a myriad of religions and ethnicities that goes far beyond the four main denominations: Buddhism, Christianity, Islam and Hinduism. And in each of them, there are different nuances to its funeral practices. These include groups who practises Taoism, Shintoism, Sufism, Jainism, and more. For those who belong to these, it is best to seek advice from your spiritual representatives for the preferred funeral option. That said, it usually tends towards one of the four major religions.
Buddhism and Hinduism, for instance, traditionally advocate for cremation, viewing it as a means to expedite the soul’s journey into the afterlife. In contrast, Christianity and Islam lean towards burial, to align with their respective religious doctrines.
These cultural and religious inclinations often guide the grieving process, providing a framework for mourning rituals and ceremonies before the event. Thus, it is best to lean towards those most important to the departed or those who know them best, to pick the preferred choice to honour the traditions that hold significance to them and their loved ones.
Space is a premium
As highlighted, Singapore’s geographical constraints and dense urbanisation have limited the availability of land for traditional ground burials. To strike a compromise between the needs of both its citizens and developments, public cemeteries in Singapore have limited lease durations.
In Singapore, burial can only be carried out at Choa Chu Kang (CCK) Cemetery. The designated plot includes non-denominational and religious areas, including ones for Muslims, Jews and Bahai. And as of 1 November 1998, all burials there are limited to a 15-year bury-in period. This means that after 15 years, the remains have to be exhumed and either re-buried or cremated. This resolves the issue of plot scarcity, but can be an impractical solution for some people – one of reasons why cremation became preferred.
On the other hand, cremation, with its smaller spatial footprint, is a lot easier for the space constraints of the country. There is one public government at Mandai, and two private religious crematoriums at Buddhist temples. After the cremation, there are a few options to manage the ashes as well.
Columbariums are the common choice. The dedicated structures for housing cremated remains can hold the urn and become a place of visitation after the funeral. Alternatively, these ashes can be scattered in a designated garden called Garden of Peace, or at sea. Applications have to be made for both, but it can be a meaningful way for some to pay their respects – for example, if the person loved nature or the ocean in their lives.
There’s always the cost
Funeral costs can be a significant factor influencing the choice between cremation and burial. Traditional burials may impact expenses related to the casket (one would more likely choose a nicer hardwood casket), and will incur more cost for the burial plots. Comparing government services, it costs up to $940 for burial as opposed to $100 for cremation. Even private crematoriums go up to only $500 for its services and urn storage.
That said, if you do hold the urn at a columbarium, there can be additional costs to consider, such as installation fees, plaque fees, and varying prices between private options. For the most budget-friendly route, governmental options are the best choice.
When it comes to cremation, if ash scattering is chosen, there is also the matter of permit costs as well. For Garden of Peace, it is $320, while sea scatterings are about $200. However, do factor in the cost of boat charter and associated ritual fees if needed.
Environmental impact
With more talk on environmental awareness, the ecological impact of funeral options has also entered conversation. Traditional cremation, while reducing the need for land, raises concerns about energy consumption and the release of carbon emissions from the intense process. However, burial occupies valuable land resources and may involve the use of embalming chemicals, potentially impacting soil quality.
Thankfully, there are many modern solutions today to address most of these environmental concerns. Green burials, which eschew traditional embalming practices and opt for biodegradable caskets, aim to minimise the ecological footprint of burials. Not all options are readily available in Singapore, so speak to your funeral specialists to weigh your options.
While there is no alternative for the standard cremation right now, there are sustainable methods being investigated. Aquamation, also known as alkaline hydrolysis (water cremation), offers a more sustainable option by reducing energy consumption and minimising carbon emissions. It is currently available for pets but may be available in the future for humans.
That said, there are many eco-friendly alternatives to include in your funeral options now. From biodegradable caskets to urns that are buried and become trees, it is possible to depart in the most natural way now.
As societal attitudes towards death and mourning evolve, there has been less emphasis on the appropriate funeral options after the event. The above are some of the considerations to guide you towards a better decision, but ultimately, as we evolve, the matter of burial or cremation is largely a pragmatic one as long as it is done with love and respect.
Whether it’s a cremation or burial, allow the specialists at Memorial Funeral to provide professional assistance for such end-of-life matters.
