Four different funeral and burial traditions?

Answer 1

• Direct Burials
• The body is buried shortly after death in a simple container. There is no viewing or visitation and embalming is not necesary. A memorial service might be held at the graveside or elsewhere any time following the burial. A direct burial is the least expensive type of burial.
• Traditional Burials
• Traditional burials typically include a viewing or visitation at the funeral home followed by a full funeral service and the transportation of the remains by hearse to the cemetery for the burial.
• Green Burials
• A "green burial" is a burial that ensures the burial site remain as natural as possible. The body is interred in a biodegradable casket or shroud, and no embalming fluid is used. For more information on green burials, contact the Green Burial Council.
• Veteran Burials
• Veterans are entitled to a free burial in a national cemetery and a grave marker. The spouses and dependent children of veterans are also entitled to a lot and marker when buried in a national cemetery. A funeral home can help you make arrangements for veterans, or you can contact the Department of Veterans Affairs independently. To find your region's Veterans Affairs office, call 1.800.827.1000.
• Watch out for commercial cemeteries advertising "Veteran's Specials." They may offer plots for free, but will charge exorbitantly for adjoining plots and the opening and closing of the grave.
• Jewish Burials
• Jewish law doesn't permit cremation or embalming. Bodies must be buried as soon as possible following death, preferably within the first 24 hours. The body cannot be left alone prior to burial and must be buried in a casket made entirely of wood so as not to interfere with the body's "return to the earth." Consult a Rabbi for guidance.
  

Source: http://www.mahalo.com/how-to-plan-a-funeral

• Once the body has been incinerated, you have several alternatives for preserving or disposing of the cremated remains.

1. Storing in an Urn: Cremated remains can be stored in a decorative urn or alternative container. Urns do not have to be purchased from a funeral home or crematorium.
2. Interring in a Columbarium: A columbarium is an above ground structure in a cemetery intended for the internment of ashes and cremated remains. There are different types of columbariums. Some have glass fronts that allow you to see the urn. Others seal the ashes in a marble niche. If you purchase a columbarium niche, you can expect to pay for the cost of the space, opening and closing fees and an epitaph.
3. Scattering Ashes: As long as you have permission from the owner of the property or, in the case of a National Park, a permit, you can theoretically scatter your loved one's ashes wherever you wish. It's important to remember that you should pour the ashes rather than throw them into the air.
4. LifeGems: The company LifeGem will use the carbon from the cremated remains to create a "memorial diamond" that you can wear as jewelry.
5. Shooting into Space: There is an industry dedicated to sending cremated remains into space via a rocket. The cost is dependent upon how far into space you want the ashes to be shot.