What Is the Difference Between Urns & Cremation Urns?

Urns and cremation urns differ from each other in form, design and function.

Urns refer to vase-like vessels that are typically covered and shaped with a narrow neck above a pedestal. Standard-purpose urns vary greatly from the form and function of cremation urns.

Design

Classic or standard urns are typically designed for the sole purpose of decoration and may express certain characteristics in a culture, from language to art to religious beliefs. Cremation urns may be decorated in various styles, although they are not meant simply to display art and the decorations are more of a "memorial" nature. Cremation urns also can be engraved to display the deceased's name or a short message meant to honor the dead, called an epitaph.

Form

Classic or standard urns are decorative containers comprising such materials as pottery, wood or metal. Standard urns are created in a variety of shapes, sizes and forms, ranging from thin to heavy, and very small to several feet high. Cremation urns are typically composed of thick material, often ceramic or wood for durability. Cremation urns can range in size, but are kept small in order to fit into a burial plot.

Function

Standard urns, although covered, are designed more as a decoration than to serve as practical containers. Cremation urns are created for the specific purpose of serving as a vessel for pet or human remains after cremation.

References

• Urns: Urn Guidance and Information on Funeral Cremation Urns
• "Cremation in America"; Fred Rosen; 2004

Resources

• "When Death Occurs: A Practical Consumer's Guide to Cremation"; John M. Reigle; 2003