How Do Most People Display An Urn?

When a loved one passes away, families are often faced with the difficult decision of how to honor the deceased. One of the most popular memorialization options is cremation, and with that comes the equally difficult decision of where to store the cremation urn. Fortunately, there are many options available that allow families to create a meaningful and lasting tribute to their loved one.

 Display An Urn At Home

For many families, the most traditional option is to keep the cremation urn in the home of the deceased or of a family member. This option allows for easy access to the urn should the family choose to display it in the home. This can be done in a number of ways, such as placing the urn on a mantel, shelf, or in a special place of honor. This allows for the urn to be prominently displayed as a tribute to the deceased. It also allows for easy access to the urn should family members wish to have a moment of reflection or remembrance.

 Display In A Columbarium

Some families choose to keep the cremation urn in a columbarium, which is a structure specifically designed to house cremation urns. Columbaria typically feature granite or marble shelves, walls, and even entire rooms dedicated to honoring the deceased. This option allows for the urn to be prominently displayed and honored in a dignified space. It also allows for the urn to be accessible to family and friends who may want to visit and pay their respects.

What Is A Columbarium Anyway

But what is the history behind a columbarium?

The first columbariums were developed in ancient Greece and Rome. They were typically built near public tombs and monuments and were used to house the ashes of the deceased. These columbariums were usually made out of stone or marble, and often featured intricate designs and sculptures.

In the Middle Ages, columbariums were still used to store the remains of the deceased, but they were mostly reserved for members of the clergy or royalty. They were often more complex in design, featuring intricate carvings, statues, and stained glass windows.

In the 19th century, columbariums began to be used more widely, as cremation became more popular. They were typically built in cemeteries and featured a variety of styles and designs. Many of these columbariums were built to resemble small temples or chapels, and often included landscaping and monuments.

As you can see, columbariums have a long and interesting history. They have been used for centuries to store the remains of the deceased, but have also been used for a variety of other purposes. From ancient Greece and Rome to modern-day urn gardens, columbariums have evolved over time and will continue to be a popular way to honor the deceased for many years to come.

 Display In An Urn Garden

The popularity of columbariums has also led to the development of a new type of structure – the urn garden. Urn gardens are similar to columbariums in that they are used to store the cremated remains of the deceased, but they are typically larger and feature landscaping, monuments, and sculptures. These gardens are often used to commemorate the life of the deceased and provide a place of solace for their loved ones.

In addition to in-home and columbarium options, there are outdoor options available as well. Many cemeteries feature outdoor cremation gardens, which are dedicated to honoring the deceased. These gardens typically feature benches, landscaping, and other amenities that create a peaceful and respectful environment for family and friends to visit. In some cases, families can even choose to have a plaque or marker placed near the urn to further honor their loved one.

Placing An Urn In A Mausoleum  

One final option for honoring the deceased is to have their cremation urn placed in a mausoleum. Mausoleums are typically large, ornate structures, often located in cemeteries, that house multiple cremation urns. This option allows for the urn to be prominently displayed in a dignified, public space. It is also a great option for families who wish to have their loved one’s cremation urn remain in the same place for generations to come. 

No matter which option a family chooses, it is important to remember that honoring the deceased is a personal decision. All of the options mentioned above are viable ways to honor a loved one and create a lasting tribute to their life. Ultimately, the decision should be made based on what will be most meaningful to the surviving family members.