What is Cremation?

Part of making funeral arrangements for a loved one involves choosing between burial of the body, or cremation. Certainly, this is a big decision based on many factors: religious or spiritual beliefs, finances, or ecological awareness are just some of the reasons we've heard for choosing cremation. However, before making a choice, you need to know exactly what you're considering. You can learn the basics, as well as the benefits of cremation, below. However, if the content here raises additional questions for you, please give us a call. One of our cremation specialists will address any of your inquiries or concerns.

Cremation Process

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.

How is a Body Prepared for Cremation?

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.

How Does Cremation Work?

The traditional cremation process of reducing a body at very high temperatures until it is nothing but brittle, calcified bones. These are then processed into what we commonly call ashes. Returned to the family in a temporary urn (or a more personal urn selected by the family), these ashes can be kept, buried, or scattered. Some families even choose to place a loved one's cremated remains in a handcrafted piece of cremation art.

The container is placed in the retort or cremating chamber. It takes anywhere from two to three hours to reduce an average adult to ash. When the cremated remains are cooled, they are processed to a uniformly sized, pebble like substance and placed in an urn. The funeral director then returns the cremated remains to the family.

Cremation Requirements

Once the cremation-over-burial decision has been made, the only cremation requirement is authorization. This is provided by the person who is the legally identified or appointed next of kin. Once all authorization documents are signed, and service charges are paid; the body can be transported from the place of death to the crematory and the cremation process can take place. However, there are some additional things you may wish to consider, such as:

Is there a special set of clothes (such as a military uniform or favorite dress) your loved one would appreciate the thought of wearing? This will be a focus of the cremation arrangement conversation, and you will be advised by your funeral director as to your best options regarding jewelry or other valuable personal items.
Are there any keepsake items you'd like to include in their cremation casket? Perhaps there's a special memento, such as a treasured photograph or letter? We sometimes suggest family members write cards, notes or letters to their deceased loved one, and place them in the casket prior to the cremation.
Would you or other family members like to be present for, or participate to some degree in, your loved one's cremation? Because we know how healing it can be to take part in an act of "letting go", we welcome the opportunity to bring interested family or friends into the crematory. Please discuss your desire to participate with your funeral director.
What will you keep the cremated remains or ashes in after the cremation or the service? Many families are simply unaware that they can purchase a cremation urn to be placed in a special place such as the family home. We offer a large selection of urns that will help memorialize your loved one. Ask one of our caring funeral director's to see the wide variety of urns.

Benefits of Cremation

Everyone has their own personal reasons for choosing cremation over traditional casketed burial. Cremation typically costs one-third of the cost of a traditional burial.

Cremation Costs are Only One Benefit of Cremation

Religions are More Open to the Idea

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.

Changes to Family Structure Impact Trends

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.

More Memorialization Options & Flexibility

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.

More Environmentally Friendly

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.

Are You Ready to Talk About the Cremation Process?

We want you to know that no matter your reasons for choosing cremation, we're here to help you explore your options. When you're ready, call us to set an appointment or simply drop by our office. You can also send us an email via our online contact us form.

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Sources:

What is Cremation, Cremation Association of North America
Mathisen, Tyler, "Cremation is the Hottest Trend in the Funeral Industry"