Funeral Concessions: Differences Between Asia and North America (USA & Canada)

At Granit Monuments, we help families choose and personalize memorials that honor their loved ones. Across continents, the management of funeral concessions varies greatly, influenced by culture, religion, and land availability. Here’s a comparison between Asia and North America (USA & Canada).

1. Duration and Type of Concession

• North America (USA & Canada):
  Concessions, also called burial plots or grave spaces, are often purchased permanently, though some cemeteries offer lease options. Families usually retain the rights indefinitely, and monuments can be maintained for generations.
  The time between death and burial varies but is typically 1–3 days in North America, allowing for funeral planning, transportation of the deceased, and legal documentation.

• Asia:
  In countries like China, Japan, and Singapore, concessions are often shorter, due to limited space. Cremation is common, and ashes are stored in columbariums or family urns. Some traditions require ashes to be returned to the family after several years.

2. Grave Size and Layout

• North America:
  Graves are usually spacious, often in landscaped cemeteries with green areas, walkways, and family plots. Monuments can be large and personalized, often in granite or marble.

• Asia:
  Space is more compact, especially in urban areas. Graves may be vertical, or ashes may be placed in shared columbariums, maximizing limited space efficiently.

3. Cultural and Religious Influence

• North America:
  Burial and cremation practices reflect a mix of Christian, Jewish, and secular traditions. Monuments are personalized with inscriptions, photographs, or sculptures to commemorate the deceased.

• Asia:
  Buddhist, Taoist, and Confucian beliefs influence burial practices, grave orientation, and offerings. The focus is on ancestor respect and family memory, often more than on monument size.

4. Maintenance and Management

• North America:
  Cemeteries are generally managed by private companies or municipalities. Families maintain graves or rely on cemetery staff for upkeep. Permanent ownership ensures long-term care.

• Asia:
  Maintenance is often periodic, coinciding with traditional festivals like Qingming in China. Columbariums or shared spaces are typically managed by temples or municipal authorities.