What Is a Columbarium?
A columbarium is a structure—either indoors or outdoors—containing numerous small compartments, or niches, designed to hold urns containing cremated remains. The term comes from the Latin word columba, meaning a nesting place for pigeons, due to the structure’s resemblance to a dovecote.
Structure and Location
- Niches: Each niche is a self-contained unit designed to hold one or more urns. Niches come in various sizes (single, companion, or family size).
- Fronts: The front of the niche is sealed after the urn is placed inside. This front panel is typically made of polished stone or marble and serves as the memorial marker.
- Placement: Columbariums are found in various locations:
- Integrated into a church wall or courtyard.
- Standalone structures within a traditional cemetery.
- As part of a larger mausoleum complex.
Advantages of a Columbarium Niche
- Above-Ground Display: The remains are kept in a dignified, protected, and easily visited location without the need for ground burial.
- Space Efficiency: Columbaria allow cemeteries to accommodate many more interments in a smaller physical space compared to burial plots.
- Cost-Effective: Purchasing a niche is typically less expensive than purchasing a full cremation burial plot, especially in densely populated urban areas.
- Simplicity: The process of placement is simpler, as there is no requirement for a burial vault or extensive ground work.
Memorialization
The niche front usually displays the deceased person's name, dates of birth and death, and a brief epitaph. Flowers or small tokens are often permitted near the columbarium, subject to the facility's rules.