In Denmark, an increasing number of people are opting for ash scattering over traditional burial methods, presenting challenges for cemeteries in terms of revenue and maintenance.
Changing Attitudes Toward Afterlife Options
The question of what happens to our earthly remains after death has become increasingly complex in Denmark. More individuals are pondering whether they want to be buried in a coffin, interred, or perhaps have their ashes scattered over the open sea. The latter option has gained popularity in recent years, as reported by TV2, influencing the dynamics of burial practices and cemetery operations significantly.
Last year, Svendborg Cemeteries recorded approximately 1,600 cremations, with 13% of individuals choosing to have their ashes scattered at sea. This growing trend presents both opportunities and challenges for cemetery management. Christian Hougaard, the chairman of the Danish Cemetery Leaders Association, acknowledges that “going from having a monopoly in this area to a more liberal landscape puts us in a different situation.”
Dennis Andersen, the manager of Svendborg Cemeteries, elaborates on how the increase in ash scattering impacts their operations. When more people opt for this path, the number of burial plots available decreases, leading to a surplus that affects revenue. “It becomes a challenge if the number of ash scatterings continues to rise,” Andersen mentioned in an interview with TV 2.
Financial Implications of Ash Scatterings
Data from the National Association of Danish Crematoriums shows a remarkable trend: in 2024, 11.6% of deceased individuals nationally chose to have their ashes scattered at sea, nearly doubling since 2015. Anecdotally, one might think this shift would provide cemetery staff with more time for other tasks due to fewer graves needing maintenance. However, this is a simplification, according to Andersen.
The lack of occupied grave plots results in decreased income streams for the cemeteries. Although there may be fewer burial sites, the overall area of the cemetery still requires maintenance and operational funding. Andersen points out, “Yes, we have fewer graves to care for, but we still need to manage the entire cemetery area.”
As a result, Svendborg Cemeteries is adopting a proactive approach, reviewing their workflows and making their facilities as maintenance-friendly as possible. They are anticipating that if the trend of ash scattering continues, fewer staff members will be required over time.
Geographical Variations in Cemetery Challenges
Christian Hougaard also highlights that different regions may experience varying degrees of impact from the trend toward ash scattering. For instance, Bornholm, a Danish island surrounded by water, has a pronounced interest in ash scattering. However, he notes that overall, there is a national increase in such practices.
From an economic perspective, Hougaard explains that if income from burial plots continues to decline significantly, cemeteries may eventually need to “scale down their offerings.” Specifically, he believes that cemeteries could become less elaborate and might lose some of the standards they have worked hard to uphold.
In addition to ash scattering, Hougaard mentions another alternative gaining traction: woodland burials. Such options create competition for traditional cemeteries and reflect a broader shift in consumer preferences toward more eco-friendly and personalized end-of-life choices. “Transitioning from a monopoly in this area to a more liberal environment places us in a different context,” he said.
Responsive Strategies from Cemeteries
Despite these challenges, Dennis Andersen of Svendborg Cemeteries assures that alarm bells are not ringing just yet. While acknowledging the growing trend of ash scattering, he emphasizes that it is a tendency they are monitoring closely. “We are striving to offer services that appeal to people and make them want to select our cemeteries for their burials,” he states.
To maintain their standards with reduced income from burial plots, Andersen argues that there are two potential solutions: either they secure funding from political sources or adapt to the evolving trends and circumstances. He forecasts that adaptation will likely be the path taken moving forward.
Importantly, Andersen clarifies that his concerns about the future of cemeteries do not stem from a desire to discourage ash scattering. He articulates, “We do not meddle in the decisions people make at their kitchen tables. We make our cemeteries available, and I stand by that.”
The Future of Burial Practices in Denmark
As cultural attitudes toward death continue to evolve, so too do the practices associated with it. The increasing acceptance of ash scattering and woodland burials signifies a significant shift in how Danes view the afterlife. This transformation compels traditional cemeteries to rethink their roles and how they can best align with changing preferences to remain viable.
As the landscape of burial practices in Denmark changes, cemetery operators need to remain adaptable and responsive to these trends. By redefining their services and appealing to modern preferences, they can ensure their relevance in a more diversified and liberal framework of end-of-life choices.
The choices surrounding death and remembrance will undoubtedly continue to evolve, and it will be crucial for traditional cemeteries to find innovative ways to engage with the community and offer meaningful options as Danes navigate their afterlife preferences. The dialogue about how to treat earthly remains thoughtfully reflects broader societal values, making it a dynamic and essential part of contemporary life in Denmark.
