What does direct cremation refer to?

Direct cremation specifically refers to the process where the body is cremated shortly after death, without any accompanying service, viewing, or formal ceremony. This method is often chosen for its simplicity and cost-effectiveness. Families opting for direct cremation typically focus on the cremation itself rather than traditional rituals, which can help to alleviate the stress and expense involved in planning a funeral service.

In the context of the other options, while cremation with a service would typically involve some form of ceremony before the cremation occurs, direct cremation intentionally excludes that step. Similarly, burial without ceremony and cremation with a traditional funeral do not align with the concept of direct cremation, as they either incorporate ceremonies or involve burial rather than cremation. Thus, the defining characteristic of direct cremation is the absence of any formal rites or gatherings, which is why the second choice is the correct answer.