A Brief History of US Burial Practices
"The smart way to keep people passive and obedient is to strictly limit the spectrum of acceptable opinion, but allow very lively debate within that spectrum." — Noam Chomsky
During the COVID-19 pandemic, I broadened my scholarly engagement and discovered a recurring theme in the works of Noam Chomsky: the idea that many people cling to beliefs that are not grounded in reality, while simultaneously dismissing well-established facts. This cognitive dissonance is often seen in societal norms, including aftercare practices for both human and animal remains. In the realm of death care, many individuals perceive their options as limited to a binary choice between burial and cremation. In this discussion, I will explore the historical trajectory of burial, which forms one half of this perceived binary.
Burial customs in the United States have deep roots in the religious and cultural traditions brought by European settlers in the 17th and 18th centuries. These early practices often revolved around family-centered ceremonies and interment in churchyards or on private family land. However, as urbanization intensified in the 19th century, the burgeoning population required more organized burial spaces, leading to the creation of rural cemeteries. One of the earliest and most influential examples was Mount Auburn Cemetery, established in 1831 in Massachusetts. This cemetery became a model for others across the nation, offering not just burial grounds but also serene, landscaped environments where the living could find solace (Sloane, 1991).
The development of rural cemeteries, while innovative, did not fully address the public health concerns that emerged as cities grew. Overcrowded cemeteries, particularly in urban areas, sparked fears of water contamination and the spread of disease, as decomposing bodies were suspected of contributing to these risks (Vlach, 2002). In response to these fears, the late 19th and early 20th centuries saw a shift toward more regulated and sanitary burial practices. This period also witnessed the rise of embalming, a technique popularized during the Civil War to preserve soldiers’ bodies for transport back to their families (Laderman, 1996). While these advancements mitigated some public health risks, they introduced new environmental challenges, such as the use of toxic chemicals and the substantial land use required by cemeteries.
In contemporary America, traditional burial practices continue to evolve amid growing environmental and economic concerns. The extensive use of resources such as land, wood, and metals, along with the environmental impact of embalming chemicals seeping into the soil, has prompted increased interest in alternative, more sustainable options. Green burials, which forgo embalming and utilize biodegradable materials, have gained popularity as environmentally friendly alternatives that reduce carbon footprints and conserve natural resources (Harris, 2007). Additionally, the rising costs associated with conventional burials have led many to explore other aftercare methods, reflecting a shift toward more personalized and ecologically conscious end-of-life practices (Smith, 2019).
The issues associated with modern burial practices, much like those linked to cremation, underscore the need for a broader conversation about the environmental and health impacts of traditional aftercare methods. Expanding the spectrum of acceptable opinions and options can lead to more informed and sustainable choices that honor both the deceased and the environment.
References
Harris, M. (2007). Grave matters: A journey through the modern funeral industry to a natural way of burial. Scribner.
Laderman, G. (1996). The sacred remains: American attitudes toward death, 1799-1883. Yale University Press.
Smith, E. (2019). The economic and environmental impacts of contemporary burial practices in the United States. Journal of Funeral Studies, 12(3), 45-62.
Sloane, D. C. (1991). The last great necessity: Cemeteries in American history. Johns Hopkins University Press.
Vlach, J. M. (2002). The modern cemetery and the rural ideal. The Journal of American History, 89(2), 498-522.
