Cremation (body incineration) is one of the oldest custom of the bury. It was known in Neolith. In 1000 year B.C. ancient Greeks took over this custom from unknown pople, who lived not far away from north border of Greece. Greek soldiers, who died during the battles in enemies territories were not buried there. Cremation urns with their ashes were transferred to Greece and then buried. This custom was reserved only for Greek heroes and high-ranking soldiers.

From Greece the custom of cremation was adapted in Western Europe.

In the early Middle Ages cremation started to be unpopular with the Christian population but during the reign of Queen Victoria cremation was recommended on grounds of health and sanitation .

In 1963 the Pope lifted the ban on cremation and In 1966 all Catholic priests were allowed to officiate at Cremation ceremonies.

Today, many religious practices like Orthodox Judaism, Islam, Parsees, Zoroastrianism, Parsees and Greek Orthodox Christianity forbid the practice of cremation. But among Calvinists, Buddhists, Hindus, Sikhs, Liberal Jews, Roman Catholics, Presbyterians, Mormons and Methodists cremation has been the usual method of disposal of the dead

Cremation process takes from 60 to 90 minutes. Cremation time depends on weight of cremated person. The temperature of cremation is between 750 to 1200 degrees Centigrades. After the incineration is completed, the bone fragments are placed in pulverizer (other name is cremulator) to process them into what are known as cremains which have the appearance of grains of sand. Cremains and ash are poured into cremation urn.

There are many cremation urn makers today. It is a respond to the growing number of people who wish to cremate their departed family. Cremation urns come in all types, forms and sizes. It is more difficult today to choose the right cremation urn.

During choosing a cremation urn, the type of service that will be held and also final placement of your departed, play a significant factor in the type of cremation urn you select. Many cemeteries across the globe have options that range from ground burials to even niches in mausoleums or columbariums.

Very important is to choose the right size of cremation urn. Adult cremation urns have an average 3,5-5 L capacity.

There are hundreds of cremation urns to choose from and materials vary a lot including ceramic, cast brass (bronze), wood, metal, terracotta and even bio-degradable material.

The most popular are:

1. Ceramic cremation urns

Ceramic Cremation urns are the most suitable for ground burials and niches in columbariums and mausoleums. Shapes, colours or motives of ceramic cremation urns are usually taken from the nature.

Many people like just the idea of ceramic cremation urns because the material is beautiful,rich and astonishing yet fragile. This symbolizes the fact that human life is truly fragile, but the memories and life experiences that were spent with their friends and loved one's still lives on with this beautiful art form.

Let's take a closer look at the typical manufacturing process of ceramic cremation urns.

First, special selected ingredients are mixed in order to receive ceramic mass.

Then, cremation urns shapes are created from ceramic mass. This step is very important because all details must be prepared very precisely.

Another part of manufacturing involves enamelling process.

Ceramic urns are covered with different colours of enamel so eye-catching, colourful cremation urns collection could be received.

Into some of cremation urns models ceramic heart, flame, cross or other symbols could be attached.

During enamelling process of cremation urns, enamel is put onto ceramic symbols.

After that enamelled symbol is fully covered with real platinum, which is also known as platinum ceramic paint.

Layer of platinum is very thin, but very enduring. It is all because platinum is burned into ceramic symbol.

2.Cast brass (bronze) cremation urns

Those cremation urns are cast mainly with traditional methods from original artworks, using the "lost wax" method which is well known among experienced craftsmen.

Most artisans that use "lost wax" method create original and unique designs of cremation urns. Most of models are exquisitely hand finished with many time consuming processes to manufacture a magnificent appearance. Whnat is more hand-applied patina finishes create natural variations in texture and color making all cast brass cremation urns a unique pieces of art.

3. Wooden cremation urns

Wooden Cremation urns are a good choice for ground burials.They all will decompose within 10-15 years after being placed into the ground.

Wooden cremation urns are made from many types of solid wood. The most popular are: oak, beech, ash, poplar, birch-tree

In order to receive premium appearaance wooden cremation urn, each piece must be properly sanded (also hand sanded) and then perfectly varnished.

Skilled craftsmen are able to create unusual, unique shapes and beautiful, original carvings. This way each wooden cremation urn is one of its kind.

4. Terracotta cremation urns

Terracotta cremation urns are made only by very experienced craftsmen.

The most astonishing and unusual models are 100% handmade, made without any electric machines and also ecological when it comes to method of manufacturing.

All because during manufacturing process of terracotta cremation urns only clay and water are used so if terracotta urns will be buried into ground they will not harm the enviroment at all.

5. Metal cremation urns

Metal Cremation urns are used for ground burials and niches in mausoleums or columbariums. Those urns are mainly made from copper or stainless steel.

What is more metal is also one of the most durable materials, making it a very popular choice for those looking to memorialize a loved one. Additionally metal can be molded,decorated, engraved to make a very attractive cremation urn. The size and shape of metal cremation urns can be different and they can weigh between 2 and 20 kilograms.

Many companies which sell metal cremation urns offer personalization of cremation urn by adding a nameplate or unique applique.