Cremationism is a term used to describe the belief in the practice of cremation. The word is spelled with a /k/ sound at the beginning, followed by an /r/ sound and a long /e/ sound. The /m/ sound is spelled with the letter "m" and the suffix "-ism" indicates that it represents a belief or ideology. The phonetic transcription of the word is /krɛˈmeɪʃənɪzm/, with emphasis on the second syllable. Cremationism is becoming more popular as people choose it as a way of disposition after death.
Cremationism refers to the belief system or philosophy that promotes the practice of cremation as a preferred method of disposing of human remains. Derived from the word "cremation," which refers to the process of reducing a body to ashes through intense heat, cremationism emphasizes the ritual and practical aspects of cremation.
In this context, cremationism encompasses various principles and values. It recognizes the use of specialized facilities, known as crematories or crematoriums, for conducting the cremation process in a respectful and controlled manner. Cremationism also emphasizes the importance of honoring the deceased and respecting their final wishes by adopting cremation as an alternative to burial or other forms of disposal.
The philosophy of cremationism often advocates for personal choice and freedom in matters related to death and funerary arrangements. It supports the belief that the deceased should have the autonomy to determine the fate of their remains and the form of memorialization they wish to leave behind.
Cremationism also intersects with environmental consciousness. Many proponents of cremationism view this method as more ecologically friendly compared to traditional burials, citing reduced land usage and decreased reliance on embalming chemicals.
While cremationism is not a term commonly found in mainstream dictionaries, it serves as a conceptual framework that acknowledges and promotes cremation as a valid and increasingly popular choice for handling human remains in modern society.