Funeral rituals have significantly changed over the past decades, and they continue to adapt to reflect the values, beliefs and aspirations of the deceased and family. Here are three trends that we have observed among our clients' requests and that we can include in your tribute to personalize it as you wish.

A humane experience
In search of committed support, bereaved people today turn to funeral complexes where the staff is attentive to their needs and emotions and knows how to respect their values and customs.

This is why we believe that the availability, personalized service and sensitivity of our small team make all the difference in our clients' lives. Our humane and respectful approach enables us to establish a bond of trust with them, while giving them the time and space they need to grieve with serenity. Like a lighthouse, we guide our clients throughout the preparations so that this experience brings them the comfort they seek.

Cremation
New generations are increasingly turning to cremation, which consists of incinerating the deceased's body and reducing it to ashes. Indeed, according to Les Affaires magazine, the cremation rate was about 70% in 2016, compared to 5% in 1967.

Because cremation is also more affordable, this option makes it possible to invest in other aspects of commemorating a loved one over the long term, such as a personalized urn, reserving a space in a columbarium or planting a tree in memory of the deceased.

The green burial
Today there are a number of environmentally friendly options for disposing of a body. One of them is green burial, which consists of placing the unembalmed body of the deceased in a biodegradable coffin (made of pine, for example), which will then be buried in the cemetery chosen by the relatives. Since this process does not require the use of harmful embalming fluids or polluting materials, it is more environmentally friendly. In fact, this is the method used by our ancestors.

The biological urn, on the other hand, is made from biodegradable materials, which will decompose once in the ground. A tree cutting may be added with soil and will draw nutrients contained in the soil and ashes to grow. Biological urns may be buried in a green cemetery, where each tree is associated with a deceased person. This is a highly symbolic way of celebratinglife after death.

No matter which ritual you choose, the caring staff at Æterna Funeral Complex will support you in respecting your beliefs, values and customs so that your experience is humane and calming.