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Earth graves in a Mainz cemetery. — Becoming rarer: earth graves in Mainz cemeteries.

As a traditional form of burial, earth burial was in much greater demand than urn burial for a long time. In the mid-1990s, however, this ratio began to shift. Today, the number of urn burials significantly exceeds that of earth burials.

The reasons for this apparent change in funeral culture are complex. Financial aspects play just as much of a role as time considerations. The slow "disappearance" of the extended family also plays a part.

Earth graves exist ...

... as a row grave:

... as an elective grave (2 burials):

... as an elective grave (6 burials):

Urn graves are available ...

... as a row grave:

... as an elective grave (2 burials):

Back to "Types of graves and burial options"

Visible change

Earth graves exist ...

... as a row grave:

... as an elective grave (2 burials):

... as an elective grave (6 burials):

Urn graves are available ...

... as a row grave:

... as an elective grave (2 burials):

Explanations and notes

Picture credits