Cremation burial is one of the oldest human traditions - dating all the way back to the Stone Age, or Neolithic period. 

The first evidence of a human burial urn was found in China, originating in the Jiahu Site in approximately 7,000 B.C. To put this date into context, this is the same period of time when humans created the first permanent, organized villages, found in the valleys of China. This means Cremation and Urns have existed since the very beginning of civilized societies. Archaeological evidence indicates that early urns were mostly used for children, rather than adults, and consisted of small pieces of clay pottery placed at burial sites. These first urns were primitive, made entirely for practical purposes. 

We first began to see decorative urns during the Bronze Age (2500 to 1000 B.C.), beginning in western Russia, featuring Slavic artwork and decoration. During this period, cremation practices also spread from Asia into Europe and North America. Upon the discovery of Roman-era burial urns, the first written account of historical urns and death rituals was published in 1658 by Sir Thomas Brown, titled, Hydriotaphia, or Urn Burial. 

Cremation gained rapid popularity during the Mycenaean Age (1000 to 800 B.C.) in ancient Greece. Cremation became the standard custom for burial and passing, as it was known to be the most sanitary and hygienic disposal of remains – a belief that is still held today. This trend grew into the height of the ancient Greek and Roman empires, where we find the first columbariums (buildings that store urns and cremated remains). Much of the pottery seen in museums from this era, the classic black and orange decorative vases, that come to mind when we imagine this era – were actually funerary urns. They featured complex patterns and scenes depicting the life of the great soldiers who found rest in these urns. 

During early Christianization, Cremation fell out of fashion, due to religious beliefs. In both early Christianity and Judaism, Cremation was considered a pagan practice, and during this time, very few urns were used. This is no longer a commonly held belief system, but Cremation is still discouraged in some religious communities. 

Now, in modern times, we’re seeing Cremation and urns as one of the most common rituals in the passing of a loved one. In the United States, 63.4% of all people are cremated versus the traditional burial, and is expected to be 80% by 2040. However you choose to honor your loved one is a personal choice. By participating in Cremation, you are participating in one of humanity’s oldest traditions.