Cremation Cremation Process Ashes
First, families need to decide if the cremation ashes are going to be divided (such as among the decedent's loved ones, or for placement in different locations).
Next, there are a few choices - to either keep the ashes, bury the ashes or scatter the ashes
The cremated remains may be placed in an urn which may then be placed in the home (on the mantle, or in a niche), or buried in the family plot at the cemetery.
The ideal combination for selecting an urn is one that can be personalized or in some way is reflective of the person's life inside. You many choose to keep the ashes and later either bury or scatter the ashes or put them in a mausoleum.
Cremated remains may also be divided up among family members and placed in "keepsake" urns that hold only a small portion of the cremated remains.
Vials, in the form of jewelry, containing portions of the cremated remains, are also becoming popular.
If you plan to take the remains home, you will obviously want to choose a safe place out of reach of young children or pets. You may also consider the weight of the urn. Some bronze urns can be very heavy, and if you need to dust around the urn or move it - consider the weight.
Another item to consider is what would you like done with the ashes after you are gone? You may want to mention this in your own will or put a note on the bottom of the urn.
Cremated remains can be buried in a cemetery plot or placed in a mausoleum or columbarium niche. If the cemetery is far from the place of death, the cremation provider can send the remains by registered mail. Some churches have a columbarium or memorial garden where cremated remains can be placed; this is usually limited to church members and their families.
If you plan on burying the ashes you will want to check with the cemetery and see if they have any requirements. There are a few Green Cemeteries in the U.S. that only allow biodegradable urns. Many cemeteries will have guidelines for you to follow.
Family members can also bury cremated remains on their own property, depending on local ordinances and state statutes.
You may want you may want to consider a biodegradable bag if you plan to place the ashes in a lake, stream or ocean.
Columbariums are vaults, or sometimes simply walls, with niches to store remains for those who have opted for cremation. The word comes from the Latin name for the dwelling place of a dove (columba), which Christians believe is the symbol of the Holy Spirit.
Some cemeteries have columbariums, which range from simple to ornate structures. Lately, there is much more interest in columbariums because more people are considering cremation. It's estimated that nationwide more than 25 percent of families nationwide choose cremation. In some regions, including California, Florida and the New England states, cremation rates are as high as 70 percent. Some churches are building columbariums instead of the traditional church graveyard to take care of their departed faithfuls.
Scattering of the cremated remains can be done by the cremation provider, by the family or by clergy, either privately or as part of a ceremony. Cremated remains can be scattered on uninhabited public land or public waterways, if local laws and regulations permit. It can also be done on private property in most states, with the written permission of the property owner. Regulations require that the scattering of the ashes at sea be done three miles off the coast. (EPA)
Scattering ashes is a delicate art. First of all you want to pick a place that would be sentimental to the deceased. Perhaps it is on a beach or boat or plane or in the mountains. Note that there are restrictions on the legality on where you are allowed to release the ashes. However, often you will find a don't ask, don't tell policy.
Secondly, remember to take note of the wind. You want to ensure that the ashes blow away from you. Be careful to ensure they do not blow back in a person's face.
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