What is the main difference between interment and entombment?

The distinction between interment and entombment primarily lies in the method of placement of the remains. Interment specifically refers to the act of burying the deceased in the ground, typically in a grave. This process is characterized by placing the casket or container containing the body into a dug grave within a cemetery or burial site.

In contrast, entombment involves placing the remains in a structure above ground, such as a mausoleum or columbarium. This method provides an alternative to traditional in-ground burial and serves as a means to memorialize the deceased in a visible location.

Understanding this differentiation is crucial in the context of funeral service practices as it informs clients about the various options available for final disposition of remains. While other answer choices introduce concepts related to permits, cremation association, or the handling of ashes, they do not accurately capture the essence of the terms involved, which are fundamentally about the physical placement of the remains.