37. The first, and perhaps the most important, is whether to bury the body or cremate(火化) it.
Cremation is the act of burning the body until only the ashes are left. The ashes are placed in a container called an urn(骨灰盒). The urn is often put on display during the memorial service.
38. Or they may bury them in the earth, place them in a tomb or scatter them in a special place.
It is said that cremations were used in almost 35% of funerals in 2009.
39. And the cremation rate is expected to increase to almost 59% by 2025.
While cremation has grown in popularity, most families in the United States still choose to bury their loved ones.
After death, the person’s body is usually embalmed (进行防腐处理) to preserve it until the funeral is held. A traditional full service funeral usually includes a public viewing. This is called a wake. The body is placed in a special burial box called a coffin.
40. The service may include music and comments about the loved one by family members and friends. A religious leader may also talk about the person and offer spiritual comfort to the family. After the service, family members and friends go to the gravesite where the body is buried or placed in a tomb.
41. A traditional full service funeral averages about 6,000 dollars. Flowers, funeral cars and special burial requests can increase the cost to more than 10,000 dollars. Cremations usually cost thousands of dollars less.
A.Then a memorial service is held.
B.This was an 11% increase from 1999.
C.American funerals can be quite costly.
D.American families are in deep sorrow when a loved one dies.
E.After the ceremony, the family may keep the ashes in their home.
F.American families have several decisions to make when a loved one dies.
G.More families choose cremations due to environmental protection, though they are more expensive.