What is a columbarium?

A columbarium is specifically designed to hold urns that contain cremated remains, making it a significant feature in many modern cemeteries and memorial facilities. The structure is made up of niches or compartments where families can place urns, providing a respectful and permanent location for memorialization. This usage of the term highlights the convenience and practicality of columbariums in accommodating the growing preference for cremation among families.

In contrast, burial grounds as mentioned in another option are generally associated with traditional interments where caskets are buried in the ground, rather than focused on cremated remains. The mention of tribute during the funeral service pertains to acts of remembrance or acknowledgment, which are separate from the physical structures used for the placement of remains. Finally, natural burial involves environmentally conscious practices that often do not include structures like columbariums, as it emphasizes burial in biodegradable materials and minimizing environmental impact.