Grave Interest: What Are Columbariums?

Grave Interest: What Are Columbariums?

As cremation becomes increasingly in-demand in Christian memorial services, so does the need for columbarium niches.

Over the years, this permanent resting place has evolved from being merely a place to hold urns of cremated remains into a structure of different configurations designed to meet every demand of a bereaved family.

Although columbariums have changed dramatically over the years and they now vary in material, size and style, the very essence of columbariums remains the same and that is to serve as a place where families can gather to honour and remember their departed loved ones.

In this article, we take you through all the things you need to know about columbariums.

A Brief History of Columbariums We know columbariums today as a structure built of durable materials including stone, granite, brick, or marble. They may be built inside an establishment but may just as well be placed outdoors.

However, before they became what we know today, columbariums already exist during ancient Rome where people store the ashes of their loved ones in ornate urns. These urns are then placed in sacred underground chambers that were embellished with frescos and mosaics.

In ancient Asia, on the other hand, the first ones to build columbariums are the Buddhists who prefer cremation over burial. Their version of columbariums was elaborate and patterned after the Buddhist temples. As cremation becomes more popular across the world, the demand for the architecturally distinctive designs of columbariums has reached an all-time high.

The term columbarium is derived from the Latin word columba which literally translates to a “dwelling place of the dove.� A columba initially meant a sectional housing structure for doves and pigeons until it was changed to dovecote.

Although earlier columbariums were mostly found in many Catholic churches and church cemeteries, they are now also a common sight in public cemeteries and mausoleums where they may be a freestanding or a part of a larger mausoleum.

The Benefits of Columbariums Internment in a columbarium offers several advantages. For instance, individuals who opt for the placement of their cremains in a columbarium can benefit from the sense of elegance the structure conveys.

Deciding to be interned in columbariums, as opposed to having the remains scattered, also allows for the bereaved family to have a dedicated place to visit their departed loved ones - and no matter the weather, they can visit the site in their utmost comfort and convenience.

On top of all these, columbariums are also the answer to the scarcity of land in Singapore, as they take up less space as compared to traditional in-ground burials.

As you consider your options, take the time to research about whether or not cremation and being placed in a columbarium is the best for you. Gather all the information you need to make the right decision.