{"id":7539,"date":"2022-11-10T12:27:49","date_gmt":"2022-11-10T12:27:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lessentiers.ca\/?p=7539"},"modified":"2022-12-21T02:11:10","modified_gmt":"2022-12-21T02:11:10","slug":"everything-there-is-to-know-about-columbariums","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lessentiers.ca\/en\/everything-there-is-to-know-about-columbariums\/","title":{"rendered":"Everything there is to know about columbariums"},"content":{"rendered":"

As cremation becomes more and more common in Quebec, columbariums are also gaining in popularity.<\/p>\n

Here you\u2019ll find everything there is to know about columbariums in case you\u2019re considering this option as a final resting place for a loved one.<\/p>\n

What is a columbarium?<\/h2>\n

A columbarium is an above-ground structure consisting of vaults (niches). These niches house cinerary urns, which in turn hold cremation ashes.<\/p>\n

Columbariums are typically made of granite. Each niche is sealed with a plaque engraved with the last name, first name, date of birth and date of death of the deceased. Each vault can hold one or many urns.<\/p>\n

Usually, columbariums are found in communal cemeteries or funeral homes.<\/p>\n

Columbariums: From Ancient Rome to the present<\/h3>\n

The rich history of columbariums dates all the way back to Ancient Rome.<\/p>\n

At the time, these underground or semi-underground burial structures lined the Roman roads, built on pieces of land sanctified by priests. Loved ones would gather at these sites to bring offerings and honour the life of the deceased.<\/p>\n

These underground structures were an inexpensive way of marking the transition between life and death. However, some Roman columbariums were much more elaborate. The Columbarium of Pomponius Hylas, for instance, was decorated with frescos and intricate mosaics, and to this day remains a very popular destination among tourists.<\/p>\n

How are columbariums used?<\/h2>\n

As with burials in cemeteries, in the case of a columbarium, you must purchase a niche to hold the ashes of the deceased. Niches are sold by communal cemeteries or funeral homes.<\/p>\n

Lease terms can vary in length from 25 to 99\u00a0years, which is the maximum term provided under Quebec law. Most institutions offer two options: 50 or 99\u00a0years.<\/p>\n

Pre-arrangements<\/a> can also be made using burial contracts. It is important not to confuse the burial contract with the prearrangements. Both processes are subject to very different drafting and cancellation terms.<\/p>\n

We recommend that you check with your funeral cooperative to complete burial arrangements.<\/p>\n

How much does a niche cost?<\/h3>\n

Each institution is free to set its own pricing policy. The price will actually vary depending on the niche.<\/p>\n

Here are a few things that will affect the cost:<\/p>\n