Definition of cremation

The word "cremation" has its roots in the Latin words "cremare," meaning "to burn," and the suffix "-tion," indicating action. The term was first used in the late 16th century to describe the process of burning a human body, typically in a fire or furnace, as a means of disposing of the deceased. This practice was common in ancient cultures, including Egypt, Greece, and Rome, where it was seen as a way to purify the body and ease the transition to the afterlife. The word "cremation" gained popularity in the 19th century with the rise of the Industrial Revolution, which led to the development of more efficient and hygienic methods for handling and disposing of human remains. Today, cremation is a widely accepted and commonly practiced method of preparing the deceased for burial or ashes scattering.