Pyre 702456 223181753 2008-07-02T22:50:17Z 195.74.225.103 [[Image:Ubud Cremation 1.jpg|thumb|An [[Ubud]] cremation ceremony in [[2005]].]] A '''pyre''' (from the [[Greek_language|Greek]]: πυρά, ''pyrá'', from πυρ, ''pýr'', fire) is a structure, usually made of [[wood]], for burning a body as part of a [[funeral]] rite. As a form of [[cremation]], a body is placed upon the pyre which is then set on [[fire]]. Traditionally, pyres are used for the cremation of the deceased in [[Hinduism]]. In [[England]], the [[coffin]] is placed on an unlit pyre; however, in [[India]], the pyre is lit. Pyres are uncommon in the [[Western world]] in modern times and have been replaced by the idea of indoor cremation in a [[crematorium]]. In a [[Viking funeral]], the pyre was built on a ship, which was usually shaped like a dragon's nose. ==Other uses== Pyres are used in celebrations and remembrance, in services such as [[Guy Fawkes Night]] and [[Swiss National Day]]. They were used in the [[Sobibór]] extermination camp to cremate bodies as opposed to the [[crematoriums]] used in most camps. ==See also== * [[Sati (practice)|Sati]] ==External links== * [http://beastcoins.com/Topical/Architecture/FuneralPyres/FuneralPyre.htm Ancient Roman funeral pyres] {{wiktionarypar|pyre}} [[Category:Burial monuments and structures]] [[Category:Fire]] {{Death-stub}} [[de:Scheiterhaufen]] [[pt:Pira]]