Enlightenment-era burial practices

During the Enlightenment era, burial practices became more focused on scientific understanding, dignity, and public health. People often used formal cemeteries outside city centers to reduce disease spread, and elaborate tombs or monuments were common to honor the deceased's memory. Cremation gained popularity as a cleaner alternative to traditional burial, reflecting new beliefs about mortality and the human body. These practices also emphasized rationality and progress, aligning with Enlightenment ideals that prioritized knowledge, reason, and societal improvement. Overall, the period saw a shift toward more organized, respectful, and scientifically informed approaches to after-death rituals.