Traditional Burial and Entombment.... What's the Difference?

Remembering, as well as to be remembered, are natural human needs. Throughout

history, we have seen and continue to practice memorialization in nearly every culture to

bring both closure to the living and provide a dignified final resting place for the

deceased. This is one of the many reasons why people opt for a permanent resting

place to visit for either their own end-of-life plans or their loved ones.

Two common options for this allow for many of the same traditional services, with only a

few differences: interment (burial) or entombment (mausoleum). Both options allow for a

visitation, a service, religious traditions, a casket, a choice in whether to embalm, a

“graveside service”, and other traditional service options. Many times, religious or

family traditions are a factor in choosing.

So, what are some of the pros and cons of each? Let’s start with a traditional burial.

A traditional burial involves being interred into the ground and may include monumental

cemeteries, lawn cemeteries, or even natural cemeteries. Traditional burials are

generally less expensive and typically have more options for memorialization such as a

wider range of customization for markers and memorial benches. However, in most of

these cemeteries, some form of outer burial container is required to protect the casket

from moisture and the weight of the soil and to prevent the grave from collapsing over

time. These can either be a grave vault or a more lightweight version known as a grave

liner; these range in price and will be something to consider.

Moving on to entombment… entombment is also known as above-ground burial or

being placed in a crypt. This occurs in a mausoleum and involves placing a casket

directly into a crypt which is later sealed. Mausoleums are considered by many to be

more aesthetically pleasing and more resemble a monument constructed of marble or

granite to provide a permanent and often more private form of memorialization. They

can also be more protected from the weather and may provide more privacy for families

to visit. Mausoleums often house multiple crypts and niches- designated places to

house cremated remains and are often a more costly option with more limitations on

options for memorial markers.



While entombment is becoming more popular, particularly in areas with limited space or

where it is more beneficial due to climate or soil conditions, ground burial tends to be

more popular throughout the U.S. due to it being considered more traditional. Ultimately,

both options have their advantages and disadvantages. Have you thought about what is