What is an interment?
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The origin of the word interment is from the Latin interrare, meaning to bury. It consists of two parts: inter, meaning within or inside, and -rare, derived from terra, meaning ground.
The act of burying a dead body into a grave or tomb, typically as part of a ceremony was referred to as interment in Middle English, which entered the language from Old French as enterrement and meant burial. With the passage of time, the phrase acquired its contemporary definition which refers to the interment of a deceased body in a sepulcher or tomb, particularly accompanied by funeral ceremonies.
… And interment is generally confused with other similar words such as:
- Burial: It is the most common form of interment, and typically involves placing the body (or cremated remains) of the deceased in a grave or burial plot in a cemetery or designated burial ground.
- Entombment: Placing the deceased's body in a mausoleum, crypt, or other above-ground structure designed for this purpose.
- Inurnment: The act of inurnment consists of putting the ashes of a deceased individual in a container such as an urn, which is then buried in a columbarium, niche, or burial plot. Its space-saving and eco-friendly benefits often make this option a popular choice.
What’s the difference between interment and internment?
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In the funeral industry, interment refers to the act of placing the body or cremated remains in a cemetery plot in the ground, an urn, or a mausoleum. Although interment is technically the appropriate term to use when placing a body inside a mausoleum, the majority of individuals would use the word “entombed.” This also applies to cremated remains placed inside a columbarium niche or lawn crypt.
On the other hand, the funeral industry does not use the term 'internment' (note the 'n'). The definition of this is 'the condition of being imprisoned, particularly for political or military reasons.
Types of interment
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- Burial: In the traditional burial the body is placed in a casket and then buried underground. In this type of interment, bodies can be buried on private land, although typically burials occur in a cemetery.
- Natural or green burial: The popularity of natural burial options is increasing nowadays, and involves burials without a coffin or using biodegradable urns.
- Entombment in a mausoleum: These are structures that hold dead bodies on the ground. Mausoleums are typically costly and few people have the chance to build one, but these structures are the best way to honor a deceased and leave a lasting legacy.
- Entombment in a columbarium niche: The family of a cremated person may opt to scatter their ashes. The ashes are placed in urns by some and then sealed inside a columbarium niche. Many people's remains will be contained in this niche, which is part of a larger columbarium.
The process of interment
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Several key steps are involved in the interment process to guarantee a respectful and organized ceremony for laying a deceased person to rest. Typically, the interment process is outlined in the following stages:
1. Pre-interment preparations
Obtaining necessary permits and documentation, including a death certificate and a burial permit.
- Selecting a burial site or final resting place: Consider cemetery availability, the personal preferences of the deceased, and any religious or cultural requirements when selecting an appropriate location for interment.
- Coordinating with funeral service providers: Plan and organize the interment ceremony, including selecting a casket or urn, arranging transportation, and making any additional arrangements by working with funeral directors, cemetery staff, and other service providers.
2. Interment ceremony
- Religious or cultural rituals: Include any particular religious or cultural traditions in the funeral service such as reciting prayers, offering blessings, or observing customs that pay tribute to the departed and offer solace to the mourning relatives.
- Eulogies, readings, and music: Provide solace to the attendees by including personal tributes, readings, or music selections that celebrate the life of the deceased.
- Committal service: Perform the concluding segment of the burial ritual, during which the departed is laid to rest, accompanied by supplementary prayers, last words, or emblematic actions.
3. Post-interment considerations
- Grave markers or memorials: Choose and put up a headstone, plaque, or another commemorative item to designate the deceased's resting place and honor their memory for eternity.
- Ongoing maintenance and care: Either the cemetery staff or family members should provide regular upkeep and care to ensure that the interment site is well-maintained.
- Visitation and remembrance: Encourage family and friends to visit the burial site to pay their respects, mark anniversaries, or find comfort in their sorrow.
FAQs
Can "interment" refer to the placement of cremated remains?
The placement of cremated remains into a final resting place such as an urn in a columbarium or a burial plot can be definitely referred to as interment.
What is a "private interment"?
Close family and friends are usually the only ones invited to attend a private interment, which is a burial service. A public memorial service is often held separately from it.
What does "reinterment" mean?
The process of exhuming a body (or cremated remains) from its original burial site and burying it again in a new location is known as reinterment. There are several reasons why this could happen, including the relocation of a cemetery or a family's decision to move their loved one's remains to a different burial site.
