Cremation/Legends

Cremation is the procedure used throughout most of the galaxy to dispose of the remains of sentient creatures. Speculatively, this is done due to the incredible population (both past and present) of the galaxy and the resulting lack of space available for burials.

Cremation usually takes the form of a solemn funereal pyre, with the deceased's friends and family observing the process. On battlefields and similar locations where large numbers of sentients died, the bodies are often piled and burnt en masse for expediency, but the process is still done solemnly and with as much respect as possible.

Examples of cremation in the Star Wars films:
 * In Episode I, Qui-Gon Jinn's body is cremated on Naboo, with many members of the Jedi Council in attendance.
 * In Episode IV, C-3PO, R2-D2, and Obi-Wan Kenobi cremate the bodies of a Jawa clan that have been slaughtered by Imperial stormtroopers.
 * In Episode VI, Luke Skywalker erects a funereal pyre for his father Anakin Skywalker on the Forest Moon of Endor. It's a matter of some debate whether Luke cremated his father's body, or just his armor.

Alternatives to cremation
Yoda and Obi-Wan Kenobi left no corpses when they died, instead becoming "one with the Force". Anakin Skywalker may also have become one with the Force, but sources are unclear.