Glossary of Funeral Terms

A container designed for human remains, usually constructed of wood, metal, fiberglass, or plastic. It is often ornamented and lined with fabric.

Land that is reserved for graves, tombs, or cremation urns. Cemeteries may be privately or publicly owned.

A visitation where the casket is closed, and the body is not available for viewing.

A structure that is used to house urns with the cremated remains (ashes) of the deceased. It may be either freestanding, or part of a chapel or mausoleum.

The portion of a ceremony that involves speaking last words just prior to burial.

A method of pet cremation in which the bodies of several animals are placed in the cremation chamber and cremated at the same time. The ashes of all the pets are mingled during the process. Ashes are not returned to the owner if this method is chosen. Also known as "group pet cremation."

A method of pet cremation in which the bodies of several animals are placed in the cremation chamber and cremated at the same time. The ashes of all the pets are mingled during the process. Ashes are not returned to the owner if this method is chosen. Also known as "group pet cremation."

A term used in the pet cremation and burial industry which refers to mass or communal burial of the bodies of deceased animals. Country burial may or may not involve cremation.

A term occasionally used instead of "cremated remains" or "ashes."

Also known as "ashes," the cremated remains are the material that remains after a body has been cremated.

A method used to reduce the body of a deceased human or animal down to its basic elements. The most common method of cremation involves incineration at high temperatures.

A special type of memorial jewelry which includes a small amount of the cremated remains (ashes) of the deceased.

The facility where cremation of a human or animal body takes place.