In cremation the body is reduced to its basic elements: bone fragments. The cremation process usually includes mechanically pulverizing the bone fragments, with the final result being a quantity of cremated remains.
Cremation is not a final disposition process. It is another step in the memorialization process. After cremation, families decide the final disposition of the cremated remains. Final disposition options include placing the cremated remains in a decorative urn to be displayed in the home or in a niche or columbarium, burying the cremated remains in the family's preferred cemetery, or scattering the cremated remains.
Many religions accept the practice of cremation, with the exceptions of Orthodox Judaism and Islam. In some traditions, such as Hinduism, cremation is preferred. Hindu funerals tend to go with cremation while Buddhists also favor the practice. Cremation for Catholics is allowed, but the Church has strict rules that need to be followed.
They don't have to be. If your preference is cremation, you may be surprised to learn that choosing cremation does not mean that you cannot also hold traditional services such as a viewing and a funeral. Choosing cremation or burial still means the same services are available to you. In fact, it is important to still hold some kind of special service to assist the bereaved in the grieving process, such as a memorial service. The body is not present during a memorial service, but the cremated remains in a decorative urn could be included. A memorial service allows family and friends to come together to remember the deceased, just as a visitation does.
Absolutely. Choosing cremation does not limit the types of services you may choose. If you choose to have a visitation/viewing or a funeral, the cremation process takes place after these ceremonies have concluded.
Yes, of course. In fact, as cremation becomes more popular in the US many people are planning in advance.
Most crematories require that the body be encased in a combustible, rigid container. Any wood casket will satisfy this requirement. Some wood caskets are designed specifically for cremation. You can also choose to use alternative containers of cardboard, particle board, etc. Generally speaking, a cremation container must be strong enough to assure the safety of the crematory operator as well as provide proper covering and meet reasonable standards of respect and dignity of the deceased.
You can choose to hold many different types of services: a visitation, funeral service, witness cremation, graveside service, or a memorial service. Any of these can be personalized. The ceremony should be as unique as the life being celebrated.
Many families add a personal touch to funeral services by incorporating memorabilia that represent a loved one's hobbies or passions. For the avid sports fan, a few of his or her collector's items could be displayed. For the artist, a display of recent works or even the artist's tools can provide a personal touch. Memorial boards with photographs are popular. Cremation urns and keepsakes can be engraved.
When someone dies, their body is picked up from the place of death. It is then transported to the location where the cremation is performed. After some preliminary preparation, the body is placed inside a cremation chamber and exposed to intense temperatures.
The heat reduces the body down to bone fragments. After a cooling period, the fragments are further ground into a coarse sand-like substance using a cremulator. The cremated remains are then placed into a container and presented to the immediate family.
It can take anywhere from one hour up to four hours, but the answer is dependent on several factors. For a body of average height and weight, contained in a cardboard casket, the cremation process typically takes about two hours. From there, you can estimate about how long it will take depending on whether the person is larger or more petite than average. Other factors include the type of equipment at the crematorium.
Also a factor is whether it’s the first cremation of the day or if several have already been completed when the chamber is hotter.
Very hot! Organic matter is basically vaporized. The temperature in a typical cremation chamber is generally from 1400 to 2000 degrees Fahrenheit. There is commonly someone that monitors the procedure constantly to ensure the heat is maintained.
Many people are surprised at the amount and weight of the ashes. The average weight of ashes for a woman is five pounds and seven pounds for a man. Since most of the organic matter vaporizes, the amount of ash is mainly determined by the bone structure of the person. A tall, large boned person's remains will weigh more than a person of small stature. Whether or not the body was contained in a casket and the type of casket is another determining factor.
That can depend on the facility that performs the cremation, but you will normally receive them from two days to a week.
Crematoriums vary, but inside one you may find a business office where you'll take care of the paperwork and the process will be explained. Also, they frequently have a retail area where items such as urns, caskets, mementos, and other cremation related items are sold. Most crematoriums have a room, which has a window for family and friends to watch the cremation process.
Yes, you can carry cremated remains with you on an airline. Some airlines do not accept cremated remains as checked luggage. You must contact the airline directly to verify this. If you plan to transport an urn as a carry-on item, the urn must be able to pass through the x-ray scanner. You'll also need to carry proper documentation with you (certified death certificate, certificate of cremation, etc.). If the urn cannot be scanned, it will not be permitted on the flight. Under no circumstances will a TSA employee open an urn to inspect its contents, even if the family insists.
For those who are concerned with our earth, cremation has a minimal negative effect on the environment. The emissions released during the cremation process are a fraction of those released when burning your fireplace. Cremation also helps with the problem of overcrowded cemeteries. If you scatter or store the ashes, a plot is not necessary.
