What Is Cremation? Procedure, Ashes-Scattering Ideas and More
The Cremation Process
Cremation is a process using high heat with normal operating temperatures between 1,500 degrees F to 2,000 degrees F to reduce the human body to bone fragments.
The brittle bone fragments and metal parts are swept into the back of the retort into a stainless steel cooling pan. Items such as metal from clothing, hip joints, and dental work are separated from the cremated remains using a strong magnet.
Remaining bone fragments are then processed to a consistent size and placed into a temporary urn. After the bones are processed it is not ashes like we see in a fireplace, it is better described like broken sea shells.
A casket or coffin is not required for cremation. Most states require the body to be encased in a container prior to cremation.
The container can be constructed of wood or cardboard. Embalming is never required before cremation and it is against the law for a funeral home to require it.
The body can be viewed without embalming, talk to your funeral director about arrangements for viewing. It depends on the manner of death.
Families may wish to witness the cremation. Crematories have their own policies regarding this - it may be viewing the placement into the cremation chamber or they may have a sitting room.
If you are planning to stay the entire duration, keep in mind the wait will be at least 4 hours.
Why Do People Choose Cremation?
Some people select cremation for economical choices. Many choose this option for environmental concerns and time frame flexibility. Cremation offers more flexibility than a traditional burial.
Once cremation is complete, what can be done with the cremated remains?
There are many options, yet laws vary state to state.
Cremated remains can be taken home, buried in the ground, scattered on land, at sea or air, and host of other unique ideas.
Keep them in the home
You can purchase a special and personal urn and display on the mantel or nightstand. This allows you to always have your loved one near you.
We've heard of people hugging and kissing their loved ones (via their urns). You could have grandmother's ashes placed in her favorite cookie jar.
If you know someone who does woodworking ask them to make an attractive box for the ashes.
If you plan on traveling with your urn, find a more durable option besides glass or ceramic.
Huggable urns and quilt urns could be a good option for mobile urns. When it comes to urn styles and designs - literally, the sky’s the limit.
There are many artists on the internet sharing new styles of urns.
There are now urn:
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glass blowers
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motorcycle parts
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wooden urns
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scattering containers
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theme urns
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marble
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sculpture
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garden urns
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pet urns
Ashes & Ground Burial
Urns may be buried on private land with the permission of the landowner or you can bury at the cemetery. Cemeteries may offer a few options for interment.
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Ground burial in regular burial plots. Depending on the policy of the cemetery, they may allow up to 8 urns to be buried in a full size plot. Perhaps family plots have been in the family for years, good news they can be used for urns.
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Ground burial in urn plots
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A garden where ashes can be scattered or buried.
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A Columbarium is a building that houses niches for urn placement. They may offer outdoor niches in a wall. This is the urn version of a mausoleum.
Scattering Ashes on Land
Cremated remains may be scattered on private land with the permission of the landowner.
You could scatter ashes in your favorite garden, or favorite hiking trail.
Please be discreet when placing ashes in the general public area, take care not to scatter against the wind or down from a bridge.
There are no "ash scattering" police and if authorities do approach you, it could be an embarrassment for all. Just be aware of your surroundings and respect the space for the next generation.
Scattering Cremation Remains at Sea
Families can arrange to have the ashes scattered at sea by a licensed pilot or boat captain. Scattering yacht services can be found in the yellow pages or internet - better yet - ask your funeral director for a recommendation.
If someone you know has a boat, scattering can be done privately. The law says the scattering must be done 500 yards or more from shore of the ocean or navigable inland waterways.
Hosting a service on a personal boat or rented yacht is the perfect memorial for a fisherman, beach person or someone who appreciates the water life.
Biodegradable urns are made from eco-friendly materials and will allow the ashes to float for a few minutes and then disintegrate into the water.
If the deceased is a veteran, the Coast Guard will conduct a sea scattering at no cost to your family. However, it will be done at their convenience and the family will not be able to attend.
A flag is required, which the funeral home should obtain from the Veterans Administration. The funeral home should make these arrangements for the family.
Scattering Ashes and Remains by Air
Families can also arrange to have the ashes scattered by a licensed pilot over land areas, mountains, bays, and other various landmarks.
It is best to discuss this with the scattering company; they can tell you where scattering can be done. Most likely, you will find a retired pilot offering this service as a side job because they enjoy flying and understand the meaning in memorialization.
Sometimes, they can coordinate with the family to be on the ground the same time the scattering is done. You will be able to view the ashes flying through in the sky.
Once again this is a perfect opportunity to host a memorial gathering in conjunction with the scattering; an outdoor gathering, cookout, a trail head, or outdoor restaurant.
Using the Cremains in Other Ways
Get on the internet, the ideas of what to do with remaining ashes are far and beyond.
Glass blowers and artisans are finding ways to infuse ashes into glassware, tiles, pendants, and paperweights.
Artists are using the ashes to create diamonds, pencils, tattoos, and painted artworks.
Memorial keepsake urns are a small token way of holding onto your loved one's memories.
Jewelry pendants can store ashes in a stylish chamber, be sure the seal is tight to prevent ashes from falling out.
Go big!!
Ashes can used a fireworks show over the water or traveling through outer space or the ashes can contribute to the future generation of sea life by way of a reef ball.
Or perhaps you would simply like to have grandpa's ashes created into a golf ball. (If someone reading this knows how to place ashes in a golf ball, please email)
Again, the limits of creation for keeping your loved ones cremains are endless. We'd love to hear your ideas as well.
In peace,
Funeral Team