On the thoughtful interment of mortal ahes in South Eastern U.S.

There is a cultural, religious and economical bias toward cremation in the Southern and South-Eastern U.S.  One reason is that people believe you don't love someone whom you have cremated.  This is exactly what my Dad requested!  He had late stage lung cancer, he hated his body for betraying him and making him 'weak', although he bore so much suffering for so many months.  He decided to be cremated because it gave him power over the disease and the failed body.  People will cite Biblical passages as a deterrent to cremation.  I find this the most ridiculous argument.  The source who emanated the universe into vivification cannot unite the atoms/cells of a person together again?  Here, I refer to the true creator, not the tribal Gods/Goddesses of mankind.  Funeral homes frown on the poor or specific requests by those who have passed.  Large funerals can run in the tens of thousands dollars and impossible prospect for those who make twenty thousand or less a year.  If the family member has specifically requested cremation, it seems more logical and spiritually pertinent to obey those wishes, as compared to a business who you will only briefly, interact.


On the practical side, most cemeteries will have contracted individuals who will dig a small grave for you (in the U.S.).  There are regulations in each cemetery about monuments and burial depth.  I 've found that cemetery caretakers and workers are extremely kind, helpful and understanding.  Also, accidents happen and the body may not be in state that seems 'honourable' to the holy deceased.  In terms of thoughtful interment, one could bury the loved one with clothes they especially loved, two silver coins which were lain/laid on the eyes in the early 20th century before many funeral 'niceties' could be had or were affordable.  There is also the ancient myth that the deceased can pay the 'ferryman' for his or her passage across the waters.  The deceased can be buried with their favorite flowers or petals in the urn, in the earth, or the place of spreading the ashes.  I find it especially symbolic to present them with Mistletoe (anciently the symbol of Heaven, Freedom or Sky and modernly, the symbol of kisses/love), Rosemary (Shakespeare's quote about the custom of remembrance) and Pink, White or Yellow Roses.  Or in the case of a deceased spouse or love, Red Roses.  The intent of the surviving family and friends is what matters, not social mores or opinion of 'outsiders'.  You are not heinous, thoughtless, cheap or uncaring if your intent is love and honour toward the deceased.