The History of Cremation: A Journey from Ancient Rituals to Modern Eco-Friendly Practices

Cremation has been part of human history for thousands of years, evolving from ancient sacred practices into a modern, thoughtful, and environmentally responsible choice. At Anubis Cremations, we believe education is key in helping families make informed decisions about end-of-life care. If you’ve ever wondered how cremation developed — and how it’s changing for the better — this guide will help you understand its rich history and the exciting innovations happening today.

The Ancient Origins of Cremation

Cremation has been a sacred practice for thousands of years, with rituals like riverbank ceremonies in Nepal illustrating cremation’s enduring cultural significance.

The earliest evidence of cremation dates back to 3000 BCE, with archaeological findings in Europe and the Near East. It became prevalent in the Greek and Roman Empires, where fire was seen as purifying and symbolic of honor. Throughout history, cultures like those in India have practiced cremation as part of spiritual beliefs.

With the rise of Christianity, cremation declined for centuries. But by the late 1800s, concerns about public health and overcrowded cemeteries led to renewed interest. The first modern cremation chambers were introduced in 1873, and by 1876, the first U.S. crematory opened. Today, cremation is chosen by over 61% of families, and by 2045, it’s expected that more than 81% of families will opt for cremation.

Cremation rates in the U.S. have surged from less than 5% in the early 1900s to a projected 81% by 2045 — driven by affordability, simplicity, and environmental considerations.

While cremation is more space-conscious and simpler than burial, traditional flame cremation still generates carbon dioxide and trace pollutants. That’s why providers like Anubis Cremations have invested in low-emission flame cremation technology — producing less than half the emissions of standard systems.

Even more innovative is water cremation, also known as alkaline hydrolysis, aquamation, or bio-cremation. This gentle, water-based process reduces carbon emissions by over 90%, uses far less energy, and produces clean, sterile remains.

At Anubis Cremations, we are proud to offer affordable direct cremation services that reflect both care for families and care for the planet. Whether you choose our eco-friendly low-emission flame cremation or green water cremation, you can trust that your decision reduces environmental impact.

• Our cremation facility is powered by 100% renewable electricity, further reducing our carbon footprint.
• Our low-emission flame cremation process produces less than half the emissions of conventional cremation systems.
• We are among the first in California to offer water cremation (alkaline hydrolysis).

Today’s families are looking for simple, affordable, and environmentally friendly end-of-life options.

• Direct cremation is a straightforward, affordable process without a traditional funeral service, giving families the flexibility to plan memorials in their own way.
• Water cremation (aquamation or bio-cremation) offers an even greener alternative that aligns with the values of sustainability and care for future generations.

We proudly offer our services across Southern California, including:

Los Angeles County: Agoura Hills, Alhambra, Arcadia, Artesia, Avalon, Azusa, Baldwin Park, Bell, Bell Gardens, Bellflower, Beverly Hills, Bradbury, Burbank, Calabasas, Carson, Cerritos, Claremont, Commerce, Compton, Covina, Cudahy, Culver City, Diamond Bar, Downey, Duarte, El Monte, El Segundo, Gardena, Glendale, Glendora, Hawaiian Gardens, Hawthorne, Hermosa Beach, Hidden Hills, Huntington Park, Industry, Inglewood, Irwindale, La Cañada Flintridge, La Habra Heights, La Mirada, La Puente, La Verne, Lakewood, Lawndale, Lomita, Long Beach, Los Angeles, Lynwood, Malibu, Manhattan Beach, Maywood, Monrovia, Montebello, Monterey Park, Norwalk, Palmdale, Palos Verdes Estates, Paramount, Pasadena, Pico Rivera, Pomona, Rancho Palos Verdes, Redondo Beach, Rolling Hills, Rolling Hills Estates, Rosemead, San Dimas, San Fernando, San Gabriel, San Marino, Santa Clarita, Santa Fe Springs, Santa Monica, Sierra Madre, Signal Hill, South El Monte, South Gate, South Pasadena, Temple City, Torrance, Vernon, Walnut, West Covina, West Hollywood, Westlake Village, Whittier.

Orange County: Aliso Viejo, Anaheim, Brea, Buena Park, Costa Mesa, Cypress, Dana Point, Fountain Valley, Fullerton, Garden Grove, Huntington Beach, Irvine, La Habra, La Palma, Laguna Beach, Laguna Hills, Laguna Niguel, Laguna Woods, Lake Forest, Los Alamitos, Mission Viejo, Newport Beach, Orange, Placentia, Rancho Santa Margarita, San Clemente, San Juan Capistrano, Santa Ana, Seal Beach, Stanton, Tustin, Villa Park, Westminster, Yorba Linda.

San Bernardino County: Adelanto, Apple Valley, Barstow, Big Bear Lake, Chino, Chino Hills, Colton, Fontana, Grand Terrace, Hesperia, Highland, Loma Linda, Montclair, Needles, Ontario, Rancho Cucamonga, Redlands, Rialto, San Bernardino, Twentynine Palms, Upland, Victorville, Yucaipa, Yucca Valley.

Riverside County: Banning, Beaumont, Blythe, Calimesa, Canyon Lake, Cathedral City, Coachella, Corona, Desert Hot Springs, Eastvale, Hemet, Indian Wells, Indio, Jurupa Valley, La Quinta, Lake Elsinore, Menifee, Moreno Valley, Murrieta, Norco, Palm Desert, Palm Springs, Perris, Rancho Mirage, Riverside, San Jacinto, Temecula, Wildomar.

Ventura County: Camarillo, Fillmore, Moorpark, Ojai, Oxnard, Port Hueneme, San Buenaventura (Ventura), Santa Paula, Simi Valley, Thousand Oaks.

If you’d like to learn more about affordable direct cremation or water cremation options, contact Anubis Cremations today:

• Los Angeles Office: 323-644-3323
• Palm Springs Office: 760-804-3323

Choosing low-emission flame cremation or water cremation with Anubis helps protect Southern California’s natural beauty for future generations.

We are here to help you honor your loved one with care, dignity, and a commitment to the environment.