Burial Options: 5 Ways To Lay Our Loved Ones To Rest

In order to say hamba kahle (go well) to a loved one, you might have to choose from the different burial options.

When it comes to physically laying a person to rest, there is a spectrum of possibilities, reflecting our evolving beliefs, environmental concerns and budgets.

Let’s delve into the different options for burial or disposition processes.

1. Traditional burial

   For many generations, burial has been deeply woven into the fabric of South African traditions. Be it in town, on a farm or in a rural area, land is set aside where people bury their dead. Cemetery plots can be purchased in dedicated sections or family plots. This burial option offers a sense of permanence, connecting us to the land and providing a physical space to visit and remember.
   We place the body in a coffin, which can be made of wood. Coffins may be costly and elaborate or they may be of plain pine. Environmentally conscious families are opting for biodegradable materials of coffins, such as cardboard, raffia or cloth. Some traditions favour a plain shroud.

2. Cremation

   Cremation has risen in popularity in recent decades, offering a more affordable and space-conscious option. Intense heat reduces the body to ashes. The family is then able to scatter these ashes in a place chosen by the deceased or which reminds them of their departed loved one. (Read more on scattering of ashes ceremonies here.)

   

   However, some cultures do not accept cremation as a burial option. There are also environmental concerns. The process involves high energy usage and contributes to air pollution.

3. Aquamation

   There is a sustainable alternative to traditional cremation which is called aquamation. For many South Africans the first we heard of the process was when Archbishop Desmond Tutu chose it. This gentle process uses a mixture of water and potassium hydroxide to accelerate natural decomposition. The result is sterilised bone fragments and a sterile liquid, both safely returned to the earth. Compared to cremation, aquamation boasts a significantly lower carbon footprint. It also leaves behind more tangible remains, which offers comfort to some families. However, its availability in South Africa is currently limited, primarily offered by AVBOB in only a few cities.

4. Donating to science

   Some people or their families choose to donate their bodies to science, where they can be used for a variety of purposes. Forensic scientists can use bequests to deepen their knowledge, which helps to solve more crimes. Medical teaching institutions relay on donations of bodies for the teaching of anatomy to medical, physiotherapy, occupational therapy and science students.
   If a person wishes their body to be used for these purposes, it is most important that they inform their families. Read here to find out more the whole process.

5. Natural processes in burial options

   There are a few places in South Africa where you can have a natural burial. The grounds are often conservation areas and there will be a small stone marker or tree planted to indicate where you are buried. The coffin or shroud is made of biodegradable material and there is no embalming. This allows the body to return to the soil more quickly.

   

   There are other natural burial options that are slowly coming to the fore.
   Companies offer an option which they call a mushroom suit. They make a suit out of organic cotton, and seed it  with mushroom spores. These spores help to decompose the body whilst at the same time cleaning the toxins from the body before they leach out into the soil.
   Where people choose human composting, the body is placed in a steel container along with straw, alfalfa and carbon rich material such as wood chips. The vessel is maintained at a certain temperature and the natural processes break down the body. This option is not yet available in this country.
   There is also the concept of a burial pod. This is an egg-shaped pod, made of biodegradable material, into which we place our departed loved one for burial.
   We then bury the pod and plant a tree on top of it. The bereaved family and friends will continue to care for the tree as it grows. These pods are available in South Africa.

Burial options: Conclusion

We can all choose from these burial options before we die. Put your wishes in writing and make sure that members of your family know what you want and where your written instructions are stored.
Wordways Ceremonies offers a variety of non-religious ceremonies, including funerals, memorials or ash scattering ceremonies. Get in touch with Vanessa today to discuss your needs.