Burial Urns
A burial urn, also known as a funerary urn, or simply, a cremation urn, refers to the vessel that holds cremation ashes. This practice dates back to ancient civilizations and is increasing in popularity again today.
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Cremation rates have skyrocketed throughout the world during recent years, exceeding all projections. This trend is attributable to several circumstances. In the United States, for example, today’s families are more transient than ever. Not too long ago, most families stayed close to their families of origin. Today, careers dictate where we live and work. Religious tenets have loosened considerably during the last decades, allowing followers to be more flexible in their end of life choices. Land has become increasingly sparse, so sprawling cemeteries are a thing of the past. Finally, the declining economy during the last several years, has forced people to seek more financially feasible decisions about everything, including end of life rituals.
All that being said, there is now an overwhelming abundance of companies that offer the burial urn in many styles, price points, and materials, especially online. The burial urn is available in ceramic, wood, glass, metal, biodegradable material, fabric, and more. The ceramic burial urn is possibly the most popular form. From traditional pottery techniques to modern stylings, there are enough versions of this age-old vessel to offer something for every sensibility. A ceramic burial urn is usually roundish in shape because it is constructed on a potter’s wheel. The clay material is placed on a continuously spinning platform. The clay is manipulated by skillful shaping of the hands of the artist.
The glass burial urn is perhaps more recent in its popularity. A proficient glass blower can create wonderful shapes and produce vessels in gorgeous colors. Glass urns are a great choice for a burial urn that will remain in a columbarium niche.
Metal urns are gaining in popularity. A metal burial urn can be kept outside. Many people choose to install an urn in a once-loved garden or special spot in nature. The metal container can sustain harsh weather because of the structural integrity of its material.
Wooden burial urns can be found in many ways. The rectangular wood burial urn is a popular version because the ashes can be easily transferred into this shape. However, when wood is turned on a lathe, the rounded effects can be stunning. Also, there is so much diversity in wood, from light to dark shades, dramatic accents with natural markings, and countless textures.
Fabric urns, which are often biodegradable, are definitely new to the realm of burial urn materials. Thanks to the environmental awareness that is growing in today’s culture, the emphasis on recycling and re-purposing is strong. Fabric cremation urns can be made from clothing of the deceased. They can also be fabricated from sustainable fibers.
Many people find comfort near water and / or earth and incorporate these elements into their end of life rituals. While green burials gain popularity, a green-inspired choice for cremated remains is to return the ashes to earth via a biodegradable container. As the urn de-composes, the ashes naturally blend into the earth.
The burial urn, once a traditional term, has evolved significantly during the last decade. Thanks to the internet, the modern consumer has access to innumerable resources.
