Editing Cremation (section)

{{short description|Burning of a dead body as a disposal method}}
{{use dmy dates|date=October 2018}}

[[File:Feuerhalle Simmering Ofen.jpg|thumb|upright=1.3|An electric cremator in [[Austria]]]]
'''Cremation''' is a method of [[Disposal of human corpses|final disposition]] of a [[corpse]] through [[Combustion|burning]].<ref>{{citation| last=Matthews Cremation Division| title=Cremation Equipment Operator Training Program| pages=1| year=2006}}</ref>

Cremation may serve as a [[funeral]] or post-funeral rite and as an alternative to [[burial]]. In some countries, including [[India]], [[Nepal]], and [[Syria]], cremation on an [[Pyre|open-air pyre]] is an ancient tradition. Starting in the 19th century, cremation was introduced or reintroduced into other parts of the world. In modern times, cremation is commonly carried out with a [[Crematorium|closed furnace (cremator)]], at a crematorium.

Cremation leaves behind an average of {{cvt|2.4|kg|lb}} of remains known as ''ashes'' or ''cremains''. This is not all [[ash]] but includes unburnt fragments of bone mineral, which are commonly ground into powder. They are inorganic and inert, and thus do not constitute a health risk and may be buried, interred in a memorial site, retained by relatives or scattered in various ways.