How Cremation Has Grown in Popularity in the West

Cremation has become increasingly popular across the western world in recent years. In the United States, for example, the cremation rate has risen from 3.56% in 1960 to 56% in 2020 and is projected to reach 78.6% by 2040. Similar trends can be observed in many other countries, including the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia.

Ireland has also seen a significant increase in the popularity of cremation in recent years. According to the Cremation Society of Great Britain, the cremation rate in Ireland was just 2% in 1980 but had risen to 16% by 2015. This trend is expected to continue, with projections that the cremation rate in Ireland will reach 30% by 2035.

The growth in the popularity of cremation can be attributed to a number of factors, including changing attitudes toward death and funeral practices, environmental concerns, and the rise of secularism. Many people today are looking for alternatives to traditional burial, which can be expensive and often require the use of resources such as land and materials.

In response to this trend, crematoriums have been built across Ireland in the last few decades. The first crematorium in Ireland, the Glasnevin Crematorium in Dublin, opened in 1982. Since then, several other crematoriums have been established, including the Lakelands Crematorium in Cavan, the Shannon Crematorium in Clare, and the Mount Jerome Crematorium in Dublin.

Cremation offers a number of options for the handling of ashes. The most common option is to keep the ashes in an urn or other container. Urns come in a variety of shapes and sizes and can be personalized with engravings or other decorations. Some people choose to display the urn in their home, while others prefer to keep it in a columbarium or other type of memorial.

Another option is to scatter the ashes in a location that was significant to the deceased. This can be done on public or private land, although permission may be required in some cases. Some people choose to scatter the ashes at sea, or in a location that was special to the deceased, such as a favorite park or hiking trail.

Finally, ashes can also be buried in a cemetery or other designated burial ground. Some cemeteries have specific sections set aside for the burial of cremated remains, while others allow the burial of ashes in a regular burial plot.

Cremation also offers the option for a memorial service or celebration of life ceremony. This can be held before or after the cremation and can be personalized to reflect the personality and interests of the deceased. Memorial services can be held in a variety of locations, including funeral homes, churches, or outdoor spaces.

In conclusion, the popularity of cremation has grown significantly across the western world, including in Ireland. This trend is expected to continue in the coming years, as more people seek alternatives to traditional burial. Crematoriums have been built across Ireland in recent years to accommodate this demand, and offer a variety of options for the handling of ashes, including keeping, scattering, or burying them. The growth of cremation has also given rise to new options for memorialization, such as personalized urns and memorial services, allowing loved ones to honor the memory of the deceased in a way that is meaningful and unique to them.