Change is an ever-present aspect of social life. Change can be swift and highly disruptive or slow and less unsettling. The changing structure of body disposition is an example of the latter. The traditional funeral is slowly losing the broad support it once enjoyed. This work explores three of the new methods of body disposition: (1) cremation; (2) secular, life-centered funerals; and (3) celebratory, “fun” funerals. The study opens with a review of the historical changes that have led to what most would consider traditional funerals. The reader will find a discussion of what many would say are deviant methods of body disposition. Cremation is quickly becoming less deviant. To be sure, of the three evolving types of funerals, none are as contentious as the fun funeral. The life-centered, celebratory funeral is growing in popularity in other parts of the world (especially Australia) yet is relatively unheard of in America.
