What Is Called Burial? A Clear Guide to Funeral Practices and Options

When navigating end-of-life arrangements, understanding standard funeral terminology helps clarify your choices. A common question families ask during the planning process is: what is called burial? In formal terms, burial—also known as inhumation or interment—is the act of placing human remains into the earth, a dedicated vault, or an above-ground structure. It is one of the oldest human customs, serving both a practical purpose and a ceremonial role across cultures and faiths worldwide.

While the basic definition is straightforward, modern burial practices include a variety of methods, memorial products, and religious customs. Whether you are arranging pre-need plans for yourself or handling immediate arrangements following the loss of a loved one, learning about burial types helps you make informed, confident decisions.

Terminology and Definitions: What Is Called Burial?

To fully understand what is called burial, it is helpful to examine the specific language used by funeral directors and cemetery operators. Different terms describe the precise way human remains are laid to rest.

Inhumation and Ground Interment

Inhumation specifically refers to placing a body directly into the earth. Today, ground interment typically involves placing the deceased inside a casket, which is then lowered into a prepared grave plot inside a cemetery. In most modern cemeteries, an outer burial container or concrete vault is placed in the ground first to protect the casket and keep the ground level over time.

Entombment and Above-Ground Burial

Burial is not strictly limited to in-ground plots. Above-ground burial, commonly called entombment, places human remains inside a sealed chamber within a mausoleum or crypt. This option provides a clean, dry environment and serves as a practical alternative for individuals who prefer not to select a subterranean plot.

Primary Types of Burial Options Available

Different personal preferences, environmental priorities, and family traditions shape how a burial is conducted. The following options represent the main burial methods available today.

Traditional Ground Burial

Traditional ground burial remains the most recognizable form of final disposition in North America. This process typically includes a public visitation or viewing, a formal funeral service held at a place of worship or chapel, and a committal ceremony at the gravesite. The deceased is dressed in selected burial clothing, placed inside a chosen casket, and lowered into the plot during or after the service.

Natural or Green Burial

Green burial focuses on minimal environmental impact. In a natural burial, the body is not embalmed with chemical fluids. Instead, the deceased is wrapped in a simple cloth shroud or placed in an eco-friendly container made of wicker, bamboo, or untreated wood. Concrete vaults are omitted, allowing the body to return to the earth naturally over time.

Cremation Inurnment

The term burial also applies to cremated remains. Following a cremation service, families can choose to bury the ashes in a smaller cemetery plot or place them inside a columbarium niche. This practice, known as inurnment, gives families a permanent physical location to visit while requiring less cemetery space than a full ground plot. High-quality urns protect and secure the remains prior to placement.

Essential Elements of a Complete Burial Service

A comprehensive burial service involves several key selections and memorial products that help honor the deceased and support grieving family members.

Selecting Caskets and Burial Vaults

The casket is a central component of traditional burial. Caskets are crafted from various materials, including natural woods like oak, cherry, and mahogany, as well as metals like steel, copper, and bronze. Reviewing an extensive casket catalog allows families to choose a style that reflects their personal taste and budget. Most cemeteries also require an outer burial container to shield the casket from soil weight and heavy cemetery maintenance equipment.

Headstones and Permanent Memorial Markers

A permanent marker identifies the resting place and records essential information about the individual who passed away. Options range from flat bronze plaques flush with the grass to upright granite monuments. Custom headstones can feature personalized inscriptions, religious symbols, or custom imagery to commemorate a life well-lived.

Personalization and Keepsakes

Families often include personalized elements in a burial ceremony to reflect the unique life of their loved one. These touches can include tailored interior blankets and pillows inside the casket, printed memorial folders for guests, or keepsake items like remains jewelry for family members to keep as meaningful mementos.

Cultural and Religious Perspectives on Burial

Burial carries deep religious, historical, and cultural meaning. Different traditions maintain distinct rules regarding how quickly a burial should occur, how the body must be prepared, and which prayers are spoken.

Catholic Traditions

Catholic teachings strongly favor physical burial or entombment, emphasizing respect for the body. A typical service includes a vigil prayer, a Funeral Mass, and gravesite committal prayers. Services designed around hispanic catholic funeral traditions often incorporate extended family gatherings, rosaries, and specific traditional music.

Jewish Traditions

In jewish funeral traditions, burial occurs as quickly as possible following death, usually within twenty-four to forty-eight hours. Embalming is generally avoided, and simple wooden caskets without metal fasteners are selected to ensure a natural return to the earth.

Other World Faiths

Many other cultural communities follow specific rites before interment. For instance, ceremonies adhering to buddhist funeral traditions or chinese funeral traditions incorporate specialized chanting, altar setups, and offering ceremonies. Understanding these customs ensures that religious values are fully honored throughout the burial process.

Steps to Plan a Burial Service

Arranging a burial involves systematic planning, whether you are organizing services after an immediate loss or pre-arranging your own future wishes.

Immediate Steps After a Loss

When a death occurs, your immediate step is to notify a licensed funeral provider. Funeral staff arrange transport for the deceased, secure legal permits, and assist you with initial planning decisions. Following a practical guide on what to do when a death has occurred keeps the necessary steps manageable during an emotional time.

Pre-Planning for Future Peace of Mind

Pre-arranging a burial allows you to outline your preferences in detail, choose your cemetery plot, and resolve financial arrangements early. Using a detailed planning checklist makes it straightforward to select products, establish your budget, and relieve your family of difficult decision-making in the future.

Professional Support for Your Funeral and Burial Needs

Understanding what is called burial gives you the clarity needed to select the best options for your family. Whether you choose ground interment, mausoleum entombment, or cremation inurnment, working with experienced funeral care professionals ensures every detail is handled smoothly and respectfully.

At Thomas Miller Mortuary, we provide clear guidance and full-service burial care tailored to your specific wishes. From traditional gravesite services to specialized cultural arrangements, our dedicated staff is here to help. For answers to your questions or support with planning, contact Thomas Miller Mortuary today to speak with our team.