What distinguishes a burial from cremation?

The distinguishing characteristic of burial compared to cremation lies in the method of disposition of the body. Burial involves interring the body in the ground, which is typically done in a cemetery or other designated burial site. This process includes placing the deceased in a casket or directly in the earth and covering it with soil. It is a traditional funerary practice that has been observed across many cultures and religions and signifies a physical return of the body to the earth.

While it is true that burial often requires a casket, this is a component of the burial process rather than a defining characteristic that distinguishes it from cremation. Similarly, while burial may be more expensive than cremation in some cases, this varies widely based on numerous factors such as location, services, and preferences, and does not provide a fundamental distinction between the two methods. Regarding cremation being allowed only for certain religions, this is not accurate as many religions and beliefs accept cremation, making this option misleading as well. Thus, the interring of the body in the ground is the most accurate defining difference in this context.