Customs, religious beliefs, and personal preference are a few of the factors involved in deciding whether to plan a cremation or burial service. The decision doesn’t have to be a hard one when you know some of the key differences. As Hawaii’s trusted funeral home for nearly 120 years, Dodo Mortuary in Hilo makes sure its clients can always count on its expertise and empathy to help arrange a memorial in accordance with a person’s wishes.

The family-owned and -operated funeral services provider offers the following guide highlighting the distinctions between cremation and burial.

Cremation

Thousands of years ago, different ethnic groups practiced cremation, which reduces the body of the deceased to ash through extreme heat. The common belief was that the ritual helped the deceased transition into the afterlife faster. Today, cremation is still practiced and is sometimes required by certain religions, including Buddhism, Hinduism, Jainism, and Sikhism.

When the body is cremated, it's reduced to ash that can be stored within an urn or another commemorative vessel that may be used during a memorial service.

Unless religious beliefs forbid the practice, cremation is a viable option if the preference is foregoing a traditional service. Some may opt for just the cremation or may combine it with a private memorial service or wake. Others choose to have their ashes scattered in a special place of remembrance such as in the ocean or at a favorite destination from childhood. Cremation is generally less expensive than a burial service.

Burial

A burial service involves placing the deceased’s body in a casket, which is buried in the ground or placed in a mausoleum. Before the placement occurs, the body is prepared through embalming to preserve the organs and limbs for a funeral service.

The decision to go with a burial often comes down to the desire to have a physical presence for family and loved ones to remember the deceased by and pay their final respects. The body is eventually buried at a site where friends and relatives can visit their loved one.

Because a burial service involves a cemetery plot and casket, the expenses are higher than a cremation. Burial is also usually accompanied by a wake and a funeral or grave site service. However, these options can differ depending on the deceased’s prior wishes.

Dodo Mortuary has earned a stellar reputation for its personalized funeral services. The team of compassionate and professional staff has the experience to accommodate a wide range of choices to remember the deceased. To learn more about cremation and burial services, call (808) 935-5751, or visit the website.