Cremation Traditions in Our Community
When a loved one dies, the decisions that follow are deeply personal, but they’re also often influenced by the beliefs and traditions we carry with us. For many families, religion plays a significant role in shaping those decisions, including whether cremation is an appropriate choice.
Over the last few decades, cremation has become the preferred option for many families. It offers flexibility, simplicity, and affordability. It allows families to hold a memorial service on their own timeline, which helps when friends and family live far apart. But despite the growing popularity of cremation, it’s not universal, and there is still a lot of confusion and curiosity about cremation as it relates to faith and religious practices.
Below, we’ve shared an overview of how some of the world’s major religions approach cremation. If you’re unsure about what’s right for you or your loved one, we encourage you to speak with a spiritual leader or your funeral director. We’re always here to help you navigate your choices with compassion and clarity.
What Does the Bible Say About Cremation?
While burial is most often described in the Bible, there is no scripture that prohibits cremation. Most Christian denominations today consider cremation a personal decision, trusting that God can restore the body in any form.
• The Catholic Church has allowed cremation since the 1960s. Families are asked to treat cremated remains with reverence, keeping them in a sacred place such as a cemetery or columbarium, rather than scattering or keeping them at home.
• Protestant churches—including Methodist, Lutheran, and Baptist traditions—generally allow cremation and leave the decision to the individual.
• The Eastern Orthodox Church, including Greek and Russian Orthodox, typically encourages burial and may discourage cremation as a way of honoring the body as a temple of the Holy Spirit.
If you are Christian and considering cremation, your funeral director can help you plan services that reflect your values and honor your loved one’s beliefs.
Cremation in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints does not prohibit cremation, though burial is traditionally preferred. The body is considered sacred, and members are encouraged to treat it with care and dignity.
If your loved one was endowed, they can still be dressed in their temple garments before cremation. Many families choose to include a simple service or viewing prior to cremation, and your funeral director can help ensure LDS customs are respectfully observed.
Judaism and Cremation
Traditional Jewish law prohibits cremation, viewing burial in the earth as both a religious obligation and an expression of deep respect for the body.
In Orthodox and Conservative Judaism, cremation is generally not permitted. Reform Judaism may take a more lenient view, allowing for cremation in certain circumstances, though burial remains the preferred option.
Jewish funerals typically happen quickly after death, often within 24 hours, and involve simple, natural preparation of the body. If you are planning arrangements for a Jewish loved one, our staff can help honor these traditions with sensitivity and care.
Islam and Cremation
Cremation is strictly forbidden in Islam. The Islamic faith emphasizes that the body should be returned to the earth whole and with dignity.
Muslim burial practices usually include:
• Washing and shrouding the body
• Burial as soon as possible
• Placing the body on its right side, facing Mecca
Mourning periods are also observed, including a three-day mourning period for most and a longer period for widows. If you are honoring a Muslim loved one, your funeral director can coordinate the timing and cultural needs accordingly.
Cremation in Buddhism, Hinduism, and Sikhism
For many families who follow Eastern faiths, cremation is considered the norm.
• In Hinduism, cremation is considered essential for the soul’s release from the body and rebirth. Ashes are often scattered in a sacred river, such as the Ganges.
• Buddhism embraces cremation as part of life’s impermanence. Families may gather for a quiet moment of reflection before the cremation begins.
• Sikhism also favors cremation, seeing it as a respectful way to return the body to nature.
Many families request a witness cremation, where loved ones gather in a private setting to say their final goodbyes. A family member may even initiate the cremation. If this is part of your tradition, please let your funeral director know; we are honored to facilitate these moments.
Honoring Every Tradition
These are just a few of the many beliefs that guide families in choosing how to lay their loved ones to rest. Whether your faith encourages cremation, burial, or leaves the decision to your family, Horan & McConaty is here to help support your values and traditions.
If you’re not sure what your loved one would have wanted, or if your family holds multiple beliefs, that’s okay too. We are here to help you find a path forward that feels meaningful, respectful, and true to your shared values.
Reach out to any of our Denver area funeral homes with questions or call (303) 745-4418. We are here for you.
