A Brief History of Cremation — From Ancient Practice to Modern Choice
For Canadians considering cremation, knowing it's not a modern invention can be reassuring. Cremation has been practiced across many cultures for thousands of years. The modern Canadian shift back toward cremation, after a 1,000+ year Christian-Europe abandonment, has happened mostly in the past 50 years.
Ancient practice
Cremation was the standard disposition method for several major ancient cultures:
- Ancient Greece and Rome — cremation widespread for the dead, often with elaborate funeral pyres. Cremation declined as Christianity spread through the Roman Empire.
- Norse and pre-Christian European cultures — cremation common, often with grave goods placed alongside.
- Hindu tradition — cremation has been the standard practice for thousands of years, rooted in religious teaching about returning the body to the elements.
- Buddhist tradition — followed the Buddha's example (he was cremated); cremation has been standard across Buddhist cultures.
The Christian-Europe shift to burial
Early Christianity favoured burial, partly reflecting Jewish burial tradition and partly tied to belief in bodily resurrection. By the early Middle Ages, the Catholic Church actively prohibited cremation across most of Europe.
The prohibition held for over 1,000 years. Cremation was practiced in Christian Europe only for plague victims, executed criminals (sometimes), and in extreme emergencies. Otherwise, burial was both the religious and legal default.
Modern revival
Late 19th century Europe saw the modern resumption:
- 1870s-80s: First modern crematoriums developed in Italy (Milan), Germany, and the UK
- Drivers: public health concerns about overcrowded urban cemeteries, rationalist movements, scientific developments in waste management
- Initial opposition: substantial from religious institutions, gradual acceptance over decades
Cremation rates in Western Europe and North America grew slowly through the 20th century.
Canadian acceleration
The Canadian shift has been substantial:
- Early 20th century: well under 5% cremation rate
- Mid-20th century: gradual increase
- By 2000: roughly 40-45% nationally
- By 2020: over 70% in most provinces
Drivers of the Canadian shift:
- Cost — cremation is substantially cheaper than traditional burial
- Environmental concerns — less land use, no embalming chemicals returning to soil
- Secularisation — Christian objections to cremation no longer the cultural default
- Urbanisation — cemetery space in major cities limited and expensive
- Family geographic dispersion — cremation provides flexibility for scattering, sharing ashes among family
Religious positions today
| Tradition | Position |
|---|---|
| Hindu | Cremation standard |
| Buddhist | Cremation common |
| Sikh | Cremation followed by ashes in flowing water |
| Islam | Cremation prohibited; burial required |
| Orthodox Judaism | Cremation prohibited; burial required |
| Reform/Conservative Judaism | Varies; Reform increasingly accepting |
| Catholic | Permitted since 1963 with specific requirements |
| Most Protestant denominations | Accepted |
| Orthodox Christianity | Generally prohibited |
| Secular | No religious constraint |
What we focus on at It's Simple Will
The Funeral Pre-Planner captures disposition preferences alongside other funeral wishes. Whether you choose cremation or burial, documenting your choice removes the decision from your family at the worst time.
Related guides
Citations & sources
- [1]Funeral Service Association of Canada — Funeral Service Association of Canada
Frequently asked questions
When was cremation practiced historically?
Many ancient cultures used cremation — Greek, Roman, Norse, and other European pre-Christian societies; Hindu tradition has used cremation for thousands of years; Buddhist tradition follows the same pattern after the Buddha's own cremation. Practices and beliefs around cremation varied substantially across these cultures.
Why did Christian Europe stop cremating?
Early Christianity favoured burial, partly reflecting Jewish burial tradition and partly reflecting belief in bodily resurrection. By the Middle Ages, cremation was actively prohibited in most of Europe — practiced only for plague victims and during specific emergencies. The prohibition held for over 1,000 years across Catholic and most Protestant Europe.
When did modern cremation resume?
Late 19th century Europe. The first modern cremation chambers were developed in Italy, Germany, and the UK in the 1870s-80s. Initial drivers included public health concerns about overcrowded urban cemeteries and rationalist or scientific movements. Adoption was slow initially due to religious opposition.
When did Canadian cremation become common?
Slow growth through the 20th century; rapid acceleration in the 21st century. In the early 20th century, Canadian cremation rates were well under 5%. By 2000, roughly 40-45% nationally. By 2020, over 70% in most provinces. The shift reflects cost considerations, environmental concerns, secularisation, and urbanisation reducing accessible cemetery space.
What religious traditions accept or require cremation?
Hindu tradition — cremation is the standard practice. Buddhist tradition — cremation is common (following the Buddha's example). Sikh tradition — cremation followed by ashes in flowing water. Most modern Protestant denominations now accept cremation. Catholic Church permitted cremation since 1963 with specific requirements. Islam and Orthodox Judaism prohibit cremation. Reform and Conservative Judaism positions vary.
What about aquamation?
Aquamation (alkaline hydrolysis) is the newest disposition method, gaining legal status in some Canadian provinces over the past 15-20 years. Distinct from cremation in process but produces similar end-state (ashes returned to family).