Cremation and Cremation Jewelry Trends in 2025

Cremation has increasingly become a “new normal” in North America, reshaping how families commemorate lost loved ones. In both the United States and Canada, more people now choose cremation over traditional burial each year – a remarkable cultural shift driven by factors like cost, environmental concerns, and evolving religious attitudes

Alongside this rise in cremation, cremation jewelry – wearable keepsakes that hold a portion of ashes – has surged in popularity as a deeply personal way to keep loved ones close. This post explores current cremation trends (2025) in the U.S. and Canada, focusing on religious affiliations and beliefs, demographic preferences, the booming cremation jewelry market, and emerging social norms (including for pet memorials). Throughout, we’ll highlight recent statistics and forecasts from reputable sources (NFDA, CANA, Statista, Pew Research).

Cremation Rates at Record Highs in the U.S. and Canada

In recent years, cremation rates have reached record highs, firmly outpacing burials. The U.S. cremation rate was about 57.5% in 2021 and is projected to reach ~64% by 2025, according to Statista data. The National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA) reports this upward trend shows no sign of slowing – by 2023 the U.S. cremation rate hit ~60.5% and is forecasted to climb to 81.4% by 2045. This means in the next two decades, roughly 4 out of 5 American decedents may be cremated rather than buried. Canada’s cremation rate is even higher: as of 2023 it surpassed 75% nationally

Regional differences persist but are narrowing. In the United States, cremation has long been most common in the Western states (often over 70% of deaths) and less common in the South (historically under 30%). Western states like Washington, Nevada, Oregon, Montana, and Colorado lead the nation, and by 2035 many Western states are projected to reach 80%+ cremation rates. Meanwhile, traditionally conservative regions are catching up: the Southeast, Great Lakes, and Mid-Atlantic all saw a jump in cremation facilities and acceptance from 2021–2023. For example, even in the Bible Belt, cremation is increasingly chosen as attitudes shift. The trend is nationwide – NFDA notes Americans overall are “more comfortable than ever” choosing cremation, making it “the preferred choice for end-of-life arrangements” across communities.

Key drivers behind this growth include practical and societal factors: significantly lower cost than burial, flexibility for families spread out geographically, and fewer religious prohibitions than in the past. The average funeral cost highlights the cost gap – as of 2022 the median cost of a funeral with burial was about $8,300 vs. $6,280 for a funeral with cremation and $1,000 - $3,000 for Direct Cremation

Environmental considerations also play a role: cremation avoids the need for embalming chemicals and land for graves, which appeals to eco-conscious families. Moreover, the gradual secularization of society has reduced objections to cremation. Over the last decade, the share of Americans identifying as Christian fell from 77% to 65%, while the religiously unaffiliated (atheist, agnostic, “nothing in particular”) climbed to 26%. This rise in people with no religious affiliation – noted by Pew Research as the fastest-growing “religion” in America – has been “a major factor in cremation’s increasing popularity”

Even among people of faith, many denominations have softened their stance on cremation or at least no longer forbid it, making families more open to the option. In short, cremation is now often seen as a “normalized” choice, one that families choose based on personal preference more than religious requirement.

To better understand this cultural shift, let’s look at how different religious groups view cremation and how those beliefs intersect with today’s trends.

Cremation by Religious Affiliation: Beliefs, Stances, and Trends

Religious beliefs have a profound influence on end-of-life decisions. Historically, many faiths strongly preferred (or even required) burial, associating cremation with religious taboo. But today’s landscape is more complex. Below is a summary of major religions and their official views on cremation, alongside how adherents are responding in practice:

Catholicism

 The Catholic Church long prohibited cremation – for nearly 2000 years it was considered contrary to Church teaching. This changed in 1963 when the Vatican lifted the ban, and Catholic canon law now permits cremation as long as it’s not chosen to deny belief in bodily resurrection. Traditional burial is still strongly preferred in Catholicism, and the Church issues strict guidelines for cremated remains. Notably, scattering ashes or dividing them into mementos (like jewelry) is forbidden and viewed as irreverent; the Vatican has stated such practices are “sacrilegious” in the Catholic faith.

Instead, Catholics are instructed to keep ashes intact in a “sacred place” (e.g. interred in a cemetery columbarium) rather than at home. Despite this formal stance, cremation has grown more common among Catholics in recent years. By 2015, 62% of U.S. Catholics said they would consider cremation for themselves or a loved one. The Church’s acceptance (with caveats) has likely helped more Catholic families choose cremation, though many still ensure the ashes receive a proper burial or are kept in a Church-approved ossuary to honor Catholic teachings.

Protestant Christianity

 Most Protestant denominations have no doctrinal prohibition against cremation. In fact, cremation is widely accepted among Protestants, though individual preferences vary. For example, Methodists, Baptists, Lutherans, Anglicans, and others generally permit cremation while often still holding a traditional funeral service. The United Methodist Church notes that while it traditionally assumes bodies will be buried, it “understands if you prefer cremation.” Many Methodist clergy explicitly affirm that it’s “perfectly acceptable to carry the ashes with you in an urn or as part of a piece of jewelry to remember the deceased” This illustrates the flexibility in Protestant practice – families can choose cremation for practical or personal reasons without religious objection.

Mainline Protestants have increasingly embraced cremation; one survey found that 80% of Baby Boomer Protestants (a heavily Christian cohort) say they will opt for cremation in the coming years. Even evangelical Christians, who once leaned toward burial, now often view cremation as acceptable – for many, the biblical silence on forbidding cremation implies it is not a sin. It’s worth noting a few conservative Protestant groups or individuals may still prefer burial (seeing it as more in line with resurrection symbolism), but by and large Protestant Christianity today holds no barrier to cremation. This broad religious approval has no doubt contributed to the rising cremation rates in predominantly Protestant regions (like the U.S. South and Midwest, which are now seeing steady growth in cremation adoption

Eastern Orthodox Christianity

The Eastern Orthodox Church firmly rejects cremation. Orthodox Christianity, prevalent in Eastern Europe and among some Greek, Russian, and other immigrant communities in North America, upholds the sanctity of the body in death. The body is seen as integral to the person and necessary for the eventual physical resurrection, so burning it is viewed as disrespectful. Officially, an Orthodox Christian who is cremated may be denied funeral rites – the Church typically will not conduct a funeral service for someone who chose cremation, as a form of religious disapproval. In practice, this means most observant Orthodox Christians opt for burial. However, Orthodox make up a small fraction (~0.5%) of the U.S. population, so their stance, while unwavering, affects a limited subset. The Orthodox Church’s position remains one of the strongest religious oppositions to cremation in the modern era.

Latter-day Saints (Mormons)

 The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints does not prohibit cremation, but it quietly discourages it. LDS theology places spiritual importance on the body; leaders have historically taught that burial is preferred because of the belief in literal resurrection. However, the Church also recognizes practical circumstances. Official LDS policy advises that the decision is ultimately up to the individual and family, and cremation is allowed especially if required by law or custom. Importantly, being cremated does not prevent an LDS memorial service or funeral, nor is it seen as hindering one’s resurrection in LDS doctrine. So while traditional burial is encouraged in Mormon practice, many members will accept cremation when needed – for example, some LDS members in places like Japan (where cremation is the norm) receive permission for cremation. Overall, LDS attitudes are gradually becoming more open, although cultural preference for burial remains strong among older generations.

Jehovah’s Witnesses

Jehovah’s Witnesses have no religious objection to cremation. Unlike many Christian groups, Witnesses do not believe in the immortal soul or a physical resurrection of the exact same fleshly body. They hold that God will create a new body in the resurrection, so the disposal of the old body does not affect one’s salvation. Cremations are allowed and left to personal/family choice. The Watchtower Society explicitly notes that a dead body isn’t needed for God to resurrect someone, so Witnesses may choose cremation without fear of displeasing God. As a result, a substantial number of Jehovah’s Witnesses opt for cremation, especially since they also tend to favor modest, simple funerals that avoid excessive cost. Their rate of cremation is likely comparable to the general population’s majority trend.

Judaism

Judaism traditionally forbids cremation, though attitudes differ among branches of the faith. In Orthodox Judaism, cremation is strictly prohibited – Jewish law requires burial of the body, and the belief is that the soul’s separation from the body occurs gradually as the body naturally returns to dust. Because cremation accelerates the body’s destruction, it has long been regarded as a violation of kavod hamet (honor for the dead) and God’s dominion over the body. Many Orthodox and Conservative rabbis refuse to officiate cremation ceremonies, and some Jewish cemeteries will not inter cremated ashes.

However, Reform Judaism takes a more permissive stance: while burial is often preferred, Reform authorities generally allow cremation as a personal choice. In recent decades, cremation has risen among Jews in North America, especially those who are more secular or liberal in practice. One study cited in a Jewish publication  is “on the rise for people within the Jewish faith” despite continued opposition from traditionalists. In fact, it’s not uncommon now for Reform Jewish families to hold a funeral service with the body present, then perform cremation, and later bury the ashes in a Jewish cemetery (many Jewish cemeteries today will accept cremated remains). Still, it remains a sensitive topic – officially the Conservative movement discourages cremation (but will allow burial of ashes if cremation was done), and official Orthodox stance deems cremation forbidden. Thus, Jewish cremation rates, while increasing, likely lag the national average due to these religious and cultural factors. Many Jews who choose cremation do so for cost or family reasons, sometimes privately, and then may hold memorials in line with Jewish customs (e.g. placing the urn in a cemetery with Kaddish prayers, as a compromise between tradition and choice).

Islam

Islam strictly prohibits cremation. In Islamic law and tradition, the body is to be honored and returned to the earth intact; cremation is seen as a desecration. The Prophet Muhammad and subsequent Islamic scholars made it clear that burning a body is haram (forbidden) in Islam. Muslims believe in bodily resurrection and view the body as entrusted by God, so it must be buried as soon as possible after death. As a result, Muslim communities do not practice cremation at all – nearly 0% of Muslim deaths involve cremation (in fact, Muslims are religiously forbidden to even witness or express approval of a cremation).

In North America, Muslims typically maintain their own burial sections in cemeteries. This means that in demographics with higher Muslim populations, burial remains the norm. For example, in cities or regions with large Muslim communities, cremation rates tend to be lower due to this influence. Islamic opposition to cremation is one of the strongest of any religion and has not wavered, so we don’t anticipate any significant change in Muslim cremation practices.

Hinduism

In stark contrast to the Abrahamic faiths, Hinduism mandates cremation for most individuals. The vast majority of Hindus practice open-air or modern cremation as a sacred duty – it is believed that burning the body releases the soul from its earthly vessel, aiding in transmigration (reincarnation).

According to Hindu tradition (the Antyesti funeral rites), cremation is required for adults; only infants and very holy figures (like saints) may be buried instead. Because of this religious requirement, almost all Hindus are cremated. In India, the home of 1 billion Hindus, cremation is nearly universal, and immigrant Hindu communities in North America also overwhelmingly cremate their dead, often following rituals to scatter the ashes in a river or other meaningful location. The official stance in Hinduism not only permits but encourages cremation, seeing it as a final sacrament that ensures the proper release of the soul.

Thus, in North America, families of Hindu faith nearly always choose cremation, and this has contributed to high cremation rates in communities where Hindus reside. (It’s worth noting that the cultural approach to ashes can differ – many Hindus prefer to scatter ashes in holy waters rather than keep them, which can influence memorialization trends like cremation jewelry; more on that later.)

Buddhism

Buddhism does not require cremation, but it is widely practiced and accepted. Since the Buddha himself was cremated and his relics enshrined, many Buddhists view cremation as a venerable tradition (though burial is also allowed).

There is no doctrinal objection to cremation in Buddhism; the focus is on the consciousness of the dying person and ceremonies to guide the soul, rather than the fate of the body. In countries with large Buddhist populations (e.g. China, Japan, Thailand), cremation rates are very high for cultural reasons. In the U.S. and Canada, Buddhists (including many Asian immigrant communities) have high adoption of cremation.

Official stance: fully permissive – it’s seen as a personal or family choice. Buddhist funeral services often incorporate cremation, and the ashes may be kept by family, placed in a columbarium, or scattered, according to cultural custom. Thus, Buddhists contribute to higher cremation rates wherever they are present, and the practice is considered harmonious with Buddhist teachings on impermanence.

Secular / Non-religious

Those with no religious affiliation (sometimes called “nones”) have the highest propensity toward cremation, since they carry no spiritual strictures about handling of the body. As noted earlier, the rise of the unaffiliated segment of society has paralleled the rise in cremation.

People who identify as humanist, atheist, or simply non-religious often prefer cremation for its simplicity and lower cost, and because they may not feel bound to traditional burial customs. Surveys confirm this trend: for instance, a 2019 Pew survey found that younger generations with declining religious affiliation are more open to cremation than any prior generation.

Many secular Americans see cremation as a pragmatic choice – and indeed some have even turned away from standard funerals entirely, favoring direct cremation with no formal service. The lack of religious barrier means this group (now roughly a quarter of the U.S. population) is helping drive cremation into the mainstream. In essence, for secular individuals, the decision often comes down to personal values and the wishes of the deceased, with memorialization taking innovative forms beyond the cemetery.

The Choice For Cremation is Increasing Year Over Year

As we can see, official religious stances on cremation range from full acceptance (e.g. Hinduism) to strong prohibition (Islam, Orthodox Judaism, Eastern Orthodox Church), with many in-between. However, across the board there is a noticeable trend: even religions that once frowned on cremation are adapting to its growing popularity. The Catholic Church, for example, now permits it with guidelines, and many Protestant churches openly accommodate cremation in their funeral liturgies. This relaxation of religious opposition is cited by funeral industry experts as a key reason cremation rates have climbed. In fact, the Cremation Association of North America (CANA) observed that as more faith communities embrace or allow cremation, burial becomes less common, and people feel freer to make funeral decisions based on personal preference rather than strict doctrine.

Younger Generations More Often Choose Cremation

It’s also interesting to note how religiosity levels correlate with cremation choices in demographics. Older generations (like the Silent Generation, born before 1945) who are overwhelmingly religious (84% Christian) tend to stick to burial, whereas younger Baby Boomers (1946–64) bridge this shift: about 76% are Christian, yet a majority of Boomers making pre-arrangements now choose cremation, blending traditional faith with modern preferences generations with more secular views are far more likely to choose cremation. One study found 80% of Baby Boomers plan to be cremated – a striking figure that shows how even those raised in religious households have embraced cremation as acceptable.

Boomers, interestingly, are also more likely to still want something “traditional” done with their ashes (such as burial of ashes in a cemetery or placement in a columbarium), whereas Gen X and Millennials more often prefer keeping ashes at home or scattering them in nature, reflecting a generational shift in memorialization practices. Millennials and Gen Z, being the least religious cohorts (less than 50% of Millennials identify as Christian, and 40% are unaffiliated), are expected to push cremation rates even higher – Pew data suggests their attitudes towards funerals are much more flexible, and many favor highly personalized send-offs over conventional rites

Bottom line: Cremation has gained broad acceptance among most religious groups in North America, except for a few notable holdouts. This normalization means families from diverse backgrounds are increasingly choosing cremation and then finding ways to honor their faith within that choice (such as by interring ashes in consecrated ground, or holding a memorial service to accompany the cremation). As we can see that in 2021 57% of all U.S. deaths where cremation was chosen has now grown to over 60% in 2025, it is clear that a profound cultural shift is underway, one that crosses lines of age, region, and religion.

The Rise of Cremation Jewelry and Personal Keepsakes

One of the most significant emerging trends following the growth in cremation is the booming popularity of cremation jewelry.

As more families opt to cremate, many are also looking for meaningful ways to keep their loved one’s memory close beyond the crematorium. Cremation jewelry – which includes small pendants, necklaces, bracelets, rings, or other wearable items designed to hold a tiny portion of ashes (or sometimes a lock of hair or dried flower from the funeral) – has moved from niche to near-mainstream in the past few years.

Market growth underscores this trend. The global cremation jewelry market was valued around $228 million in 2023 and is forecast to more than double to $490 million by 2030, growing at an impressive ~11.8% compound annual growth rate. North America (especially the U.S.) is the largest market for cremation jewelry, which isn’t surprising given the high and rising cremation rates here and a cultural inclination toward personalized memorials.

As Americans grow more accustomed to cremation, many are also embracing the idea of wearing a part of their loved one’s remains as a comfort. In 2024, NFDA reports an increased interest in memorial jewelry in tandem with the cremation uptick.

Importantly, attitudes toward cremation jewelry have warmed in recent years. What once might have been seen as unusual or morbid is increasingly viewed as a heartfelt tribute. Social media has played a role in normalizing this: on platforms like TikTok and Instagram, one can find countless posts of people showing their memorial jewelry, sharing stories of the person (or pet) whose ashes they carry. This online sharing removes some of the stigma and shows others that many people are finding healing through these objects. The trend skews younger as well – many millennial and Gen Z mourners openly embrace memorial jewelry, sometimes even in combination with other trendy mourning rituals (like memorial tattoos or online tributes).

Funeral industry experts note that memorial jewelry is becoming a standard offering at many funeral homes and crematories now, whereas a decade ago it was less common. It’s even being treated as heirloom jewelry – families pass down a grandparent’s cremation pendant as they would a treasured locket, giving it sentimental value for future generations

In terms of 2025-specific designs, certain styles of cremation jewelry are especially popular. Cremation bracelets have emerged as a favorite lately, often designed as elegant bangles or other types of bracelets with a discreet ash-holding charms or chambers.

Global Context and Closing Thoughts

While our focus is North America, it’s useful to note that these trends tie into a larger global shift in funeral practices. Cremation is rising in many parts of the world – not just in secular Western nations, but also in traditionally Catholic countries and elsewhere (for instance, the cremation rate in the UK is ~80%, in Australia over 70%, and even in some predominantly Catholic countries like Spain and Mexico, cremation is becoming common). Cultural exchange and the pragmatic realities of modern life (cost, land scarcity) have propelled cremation globally.

In Japan – often cited as the highest cremation rate – virtually 100% of deaths are cremated, and Japan has a long history of elaborate memorial rituals post-cremation (including Buddhist urn jewelry or prayer bead bracelets containing ashes of ancestors). So in a sense, North America is catching up to trends that have been in motion elsewhere. What’s unique here is the diversity of approaches given our melting pot of religions. It’s particularly noteworthy that the U.S. and Canada, once known for solemn burial traditions, are now hotbeds of innovation in memorialization – from “green” cremation options like aquamation (water cremation) to the explosion of cremation keepsakes. 

Yet, even amid all this change, compassion and respect remain at the core. Families still seek to honor the dignity of their lost loved ones. The means may be changing – urns and jewelry instead of caskets and graves – but the end is the same: to remember and celebrate the life that was lived, and to find comfort in the face of loss. Funeral professionals emphasize that cremation doesn’t eliminate the need for memorialization; rather, it transforms it. Many encourage holding a memorial service or ritual in addition to doing something with the ashes, to ensure proper grieving. As one NFDA director said, “Cremation is only one element of the memorialization process… when cremation is part of a meaningful service, it plays a vital role in the healing journey.”

In other words, choosing cremation opens up a ray of memorial choices, and cremation jewelry has become one of the more popular choices in 2025. 

In conclusion, the current trends (2024–2025) in cremation and cremation jewelry in the U.S. and Canada show a society in transition: moving away from rigid traditions toward more personalized, flexible practices. Cremation rates are at all-time highs and climbing, across virtually all demographics – bolstered by changing religious views, generational shifts, and practical advantages. In tandem, cremation jewelry and other ash keepsakes are increasingly embraced, so the promise to “always remember” is possible with a physical item you can take with you wherever you go.

For those navigating a loss today, these trends mean more options than ever to memorialize in a way that feels right for you. A century ago, most Americans had a similar end-of-life script (embalming, visitation, burial in a family plot). Now, there is no one “right” way – you might have a cremation, then scatter some ashes at sea, inter some in a cemetery, and turn some into a necklace that you wear daily. And that is okay. It can be deeply healing to create a memorial that reflects the personality of the departed and the needs of those left behind. As we have said before about cremation jewelry is: “it’s not just about the physical piece but also the emotional healing it brings." The comfort and closeness provided by these new memorial practices are helping people cope with loss in our modern age.

Ultimately, whether one chooses burial or cremation, urn or jewelry, cemetery or scattering, the most important trend is a growing openness to talking about death and honoring our loved ones in personal ways. Death is never easy to face, but with compassionate choices and creative memorials, families in 2025 are finding light in the darkness – carrying their loved ones’ memory not only in their hearts, but often right next to their heart in a pendant. And that is a trend of love and remembrance that is truly timeless.

👤 About the Author

Jordan Colton is the founder of Cherished Emblems, a cremation jewelry company dedicated to helping people honor the ones they love. Since 2018, Jordan and his team have helped over 17,000 families find comfort through beautifully crafted keepsakes designed to hold ashes, memories, and meaning.

A childhood cancer survivor, Jordan's early life experiences taught him the value of remembrance and the quiet strength it offers in hard times. His personal connection to grief and healing fuels the compassionate mission behind Cherished Emblems: to help others feel close to the people and pets they've lost, every single day.

With a background in marketing, and memorial design, Jordan brings both technical expertise and heartfelt purpose to everything he creates. What began as a response to the loss of a beloved family pet has grown into a trusted resource for families seeking comfort and connection through cremation jewelry.

Outside of work, Jordan enjoys exploring Oregon with his wife, cooking, and continuing to build a place that puts people first—especially those walking through grief.

Learn more at CherishedEmblems.com.