8 Fun Facts About The History Of Cremation
With cremation’s increase in popularity in the United States, it’s alluring to consider its origins. We explore cremation’s history; where it originated, and more.
Cremation has seen a rise in its popularity. According to a recent study by Harris Poll, 65% of Americans are likely to choose cremation over other post-life care procedures. Cremation services in Ridge, NY have also become more popular in the recent years. As we see it more and more in our community, it’s tempting to wonder about it’s backstory.
Here are eight interesting facts about how cremation was practiced and viewed before our time.
IT WAS HERE WAY BEFORE MODERN ACCEPTANCE
In terms of western development, many scholars account cremation’s origin to eastern Europe during the early Stone Age, which is about 3000 BC.
ANCIENT ROMANS AND GREEKS PRACTICED IT
Cremation isn’t limited to one type of religion, culture, or area. It has been used by many renowned civilizations, including the ancient Romans and Grecians. It was a preferred form of burial for the wealthy and war heroes.
It seemed to be common practice among most European societies until about 400 A.D when Constantine ruled the Roman Empire. He began replacing cremations with earth burials due to his Christian beliefs.
MODERN CREMATION IS ABOUT A CENTURY OLD
There’s a science that goes into building a chamber that can turn a body into ashes. It’s no surprise that it took awhile to perfect.
That perfection happened in Italy in 1873. An inventor known as Professor Brunetti is credited as creating the first usable model in western civilization. It gained popularity across Europe and the United States shortly after.
THE OLDEST PHYSICAL EVIDENCE OF CREMATION WAS FOUND IN AUSTRALIA
Known as the Mungo Lady, archaeologist discovered a partly cremated body near Australia’s Lake Mungo. It is one of the world’s oldest known cremations and was found in 1969. The remains are said to be 20,000 years old.
THE OLDEST WRITTEN EVIDENCE COMES FROM HOMER
The earliest description is created to Homer in his account of Patroclus being cremated. Interestingly, during his time, cremation was not at all common.
PENNSYLVANIA WAS THE FIRST SITE FOR CREMATION IN THE UNITED STATES
Washington, Pennsylvania is about 450 miles west of Ridge, New York. It’s also where the first modern cremation chamber was built on US soil in 1876.
CREMATION BENEFITS INFLUENCED ITS INCREASE IN POPULARITY
The Cremation Association of America was created in 1913 by Hugo Erichsen and is an important factor in cremation’s positive modern reception. Made up of doctors, the foundation consisted of health professionals concerned about disease that spread from earth burials to living beings.
SOME CULTURES HAVE ALWAYS FAVORED CREMATION
Cremation is expected in the Hindu religion, which makes it common practice in India. It dates back to 1900 BC. Since Buddha was cremated, it’s also standard in Buddhism. This is especially true in China, which was cremated their deceased since 1300 AD.
Today, cremation is practiced across 31 different countries.
You can learn more about cremation services in Ridge, NY. Talk to us at Mangano Family Funeral Homes to schedule a consultation and learn about cremation services/funeral home services. Visit our offices in New York or call our locations.
