Cremation has been around for quite some time, dating back at least 20,000 years ago, according to Wikipedia. Though it has been a widely used method for some time, cremation is quickly becoming one of the more preferred methods of disposition for families all around the world. However, there still remains many questions about how cremation works, what happens to a loved one in preparation of cremation, and more. We answer some of these questions below but if you still have some after browsing this page, feel free to check out our Cremation FAQ page or contact us to talk about them.
The body is first placed in a refrigerated room until the cremation is approved. Then, all types of battery operated implants, like pacemakers, are removed. Other metals that can withstand the heat of the furnace, like steel or titanium for example, are left in the body and removed with magnets from the ashes following the completion of the cremation. The body is cleaned, bathed, and dressed if there is a specific outfit the family prefers their loved one to be worn, within the policies of the funeral home. The body is then placed into a flammable container or casket, selected by the family prior to the cremation and the cremation begins.
Traditionally, many religions outright banned the option of cremation, like Catholicism. As time as gone on, however, the Catholic church's view of the practice has evolved and now will allow it. Though it's still openly expressed that the Church prefers burial, it is open to cremation.
As the world has become more accessible and many Americans are travelling further and further away to live, the trend of family burial plots has slowly waned and many have turned to cremation as a more practical method of returning their loved one home.
Often when a traditional burial method is selected the timeline in which visitations and services need to happen is very short, whereas with cremation there are much more options to choose from, like a memorial service, celebration of life, or ash scattering service. A traditional funeral and/or graveside service can still be held but cremation allows for more time for planning as well as fundraising if need be.
The use of embalming fluid and resources that go into a traditional burial, like the concrete vault, hardwood or steel casket, or use of land for the burial itself all can be seen as contributing to a strain on the environment. Though some still question and compare this to emissions created during the cremation process, the difference between burial and cremation is comparable. Especially if the memorialization service includes contributing to a better environment like a tree planting ceremony.