For much of human history, Cremation was very common, both in the East and West. In the early Christian era Cremation declined in the West, since early Christians preferred earth burial. Current interest in Cremation was revived in the Western world in the late 1800's. Cremation is the second most preferred form of disposition in the United States. The most common is earth burial.
Cremation currently accounts for over one-eight of all final dispositions.
Cremation seems to be most popular on t he East and West Coasts. Cremation is simply a matter of preference and choice. People have various reasons for selecting Cremation, influenced by ethnic background or family tradition. The concept that Cremation is selected because of perceived lower funeral cost or lack of land for earth burial is totally inaccurate. In only rare instances is land a concern, and funeral costs are based on fixed expenses and a family's selection of merchandise and services.