The earliest known method of cremation was the log pyre. In more elaborate practices, pitch and gums were added to the wood. In modern crematoriums open fires are not used; instead, the body is placed in a chamber where intense heat transforms it in an hour or two to a few kilograms of white, powdery ash. Disposal of the ashes varies in different parts of the world and includes;

The revival of interest in cremation in Europe and the United States began in the late 1800s with the rise of large cities and the realisation of the health hazard associated with crowded cemeteries. It was not until 1884 that a British court first ruled cremation a legal procedure. Soon after many other European countries also legalised the practice. The first crematorium in Australia was built in 1925 at Rookwood, New South Wales.

Today many Christian denominations, including the Roman Catholic church allow cremation. The Pope lifted the ban on cremations on the 5th July, 1963 and in 1966 made it permissible for Roman Catholic priests to conduct a cremation service at a crematorium.

While cremation is forbidden by Orthodox Jews and Muslims, it is the usual method of disposal for Sikhs, Hindus and Buddhists.

In some Asian countries cremation is available to only a favoured few: in Tibet it is usually reserved for the high lamas; in Laos it is for those who die 'fortunately' (ie., of natural causes at the end of a peaceful and prosperous life).