Common Questions and Answers About Cremation
Some of the Key Considerations Regarding Cremation
Funeral planning can be one of the most emotional and confusing times in a person’s life. Whether you have recently lost a loved one , or you are pre-planning a funeral, the amount of choices you have to make can be overwhelming and daunting during an especially difficult time of your life. If you are considering cremation for your loved one then this shall serve as a guide to answer some of your pending questions.
Although for some families this may be difficult to read or hear, the right way to begin is by discussing the facts. By definition, Cremation is a process of reducing the human body to bone fragments using high heat and flame, and then, a process of refining the remains. The result of this is not “ash”, similar to things we can relate to such as cigarettes or fireplaces, but rather a refined product called “cremains.” Cremation is not the final disposition of the remains in the way that a burial is. The cremains will need to be disposed of in a respectful and appropriate way.
Can Your Family Be Present at a Cremation?
The answer is maybe. Talk with your Cremation Provider. The reason why is that in many cases Cremation providers will allow family members to be present when the body is placed into the Cremation chamber. This is especially true since some religious groups have made witnessing the Cremation a part of their funerary custom.
Do All Religious Groups Accept Cremation?
With the exception of the Orthodox Jewish community, Islamic people, Eastern Orthodox faith and a few Fundamentalist Christian faiths, today, most religions overall do accept, or at least, tolerate Cremation. However, some faiths may have specific guidelines for handling the cremated remains. For example, the Catholic Church accepts Cremation as long as it is not chosen for reasons that go against their overall teachings. Please check with a faith leader in your community before proceeding. He or She will be able to answer your specific questions.
What Are Some Options For The Cremation Remains?
A myriad of options exist these days from traditional placement in cremation urns (inurnment) which can either be kept in the home, in a special spot in a cemetery, buried, entombed or placed in a Mausoleum. This compares to less traditional options such as being placed into cremation memorials such as a piece of jewelry, encased in glass, or even launched into space.
Does Cremation Take Place at the Funeral Home?
That depends on the Funeral Home. Your Funeral Director can respond to your questions in detail. Commonly, most Funeral Homes contract out this fragile process out to a third party provider. Frequently the crematorium is in another city altogether.
When contracting a Cremation through a Funeral Home, usually, the family will be charged further expenses for transporting the body and may have to tolerate delays that could be avoided by going directly through the Cremation Provider. Your preference depends on what type of services you have it in mind before or after the Cremation.
What are Some Reasons More People are Choosing Cremation?
It’s important for you to know that the most valid reason for choosing cremation is your reason. You don’t owe anyone — your family, your Funeral Director, or your Minister, Priest or Rabbi — any explanation whatsoever. Your choice is your own, and it has nothing to do with your education, your wealth, your family history, your religion, etc. There are many people who view this as a personal decision, but regardless, the reality is that there is never a “right or wrong” decision when it comes to your personal preferences for your end-of-life plan.
1. People are living longer
The average life expectancy for males is approximately 73, and for females it is around 80. This allows more time for pre-planning of funerals and advanced decision making.
2. More familes are moving away from their original homes
This leaves fewer people behind to tend to family graves. Taking care of cemetery property is now considered a burden that most people don’t want to worry about.
For numerous reasons, families are splitting up across the country. Mom and Dad may have their roots planted in one area and their grown children have relocated. It is very common nowadays for families to live in multiple locations. This makes taking care of their loved ones gravesites a very difficult, if not impossible task. For these types of situations, Cremation is becoming a more viable option.
3. The idea of Cremation is arguably becoming more “acceptable”
The reality is that more religious groups are changing their stance on the subject, giving an increased number of people the freedom to explore Cremation as an option. From a religious perspective, people who believe that the Bible (or any sacred textbook) is the literal word of God, will almost universally choose burial over Cremation. On the other hand, people who consider themselves “spiritual” or “other” on census forms or public polls will strongly consider Cremation when a death occurs. There has been a curve in traditional thinking about this subject, and religious groups are becoming more receptive to Cremation and the concept.
4. An increasing concerned about the environmental impacts
Another reason Cremation is becoming more widely accepted is a result of the controversial effects of things such as a traditional Cemetery, occupying land-space, chemicals released into the earth, and the ecological impact of using trees and other natural resources for burial.
There is no denying the evidence that Cremation is becoming a popular alternative to burial. And, more Funeral Homes and Cemeteries are joining the trend of “green burials” which refrain from using alleged ”harmful chemicals” in preparing the body. As an example, many are now using biodegradable caskets.
When planning a funeral, you should know that you are not limited to burial. Some people prefer the idea of Cremation for a variety of reasons, ranging from the increasingly high cost of burial and the dwindling availability of land for cemeteries , to the belief that burial is bad for the environment. Again, there are no “right or wrong” opinions or decisions, just topics worth of discussion.
5. Cremations are typically much less expensive
For example, in many cases a Cremation is not preceded by a funeral. If a funeral is held before the Cremation, very often the casket is rented for the duration of the funeral instead of purchased. Similarly, remains that are to be cremated are often not embalmed for a wake or visitation.
6. Cremations can save costs in several ways
Cremation costs are less expensive not only by saving on the cost of the casket, but also by eliminating the need for some of the more extravagant trappings of a traditional funeral. Also, a Cremation will save on the cost of Cemetery property for a variety of reasons.
7. Cremation is often considered much simpler
A Cremation does not usually require an elaborate funeral, making this a much simpler process than traditional burials. Many even argue that those who enjoyed a simple life are, perhaps, best memorialized in a simple way.
8. Cremation’s easy disposal is comforting to some people
If no funeral is planned (very often a body will go directly to the crematorium) and the body isn’t going to be viewed, embalming is unnecessary. If a funeral is planned, it is very important for you to know that you have choices as to what kind of casket you use. Most casket makers have specially made caskets for Cremation which allow both the coffin and the remains to be burned at once. A casket can also be rented at the Funeral Home to be used for any planned services.
These rental caskets often have removable liners which are changed after each use, and the body can also be cremated in this container as well. In fact, some areas permit a body to be cremated without a container at all. If the ashes aren’t going to be scattered, the urn or small casket which contain the cremains may be kept in the home of the deceased’s family.
We understand that many people are uncomfortable thinking about decomposition. Cremation can be opted for regardless of what religious conviction is involved. Cremation can, in addition, be an excellent option for those who are apprehensive about environmental factors.
Whether you opt for burial or Cremation, the choice should not be made lacking appropriate deliberation of everything that is involved. The deceased’s desires should be honored always. However, in cases where the deceased’s requests are unclear, very careful contemplation with respect and love should develop prior to any decision being made final.
Ten Things to Consider about Cremation
Not many of us spend a great deal of time thinking about death. In fact, for the majority of people, it’s a topic that’s taboo, or, at the very least, an uncomfortable subject. However, at some point in everyone’s life, either casually or seriously, they’ve sat down and said, “When I die, I want…”
So here are ten of the most important considerations we hope will help you in planning a Cremation for someone close to you or, even, in advance for yourself.
1. Talk with your family and friends about your thoughts about burial and Cremation. It may not be a comfortable conversation, but the tone can be kept upbeat and light.
2. Pre-planning a funeral can save you and your family a lot of time and money.
3. When you choose Cremation, you can have a traditional funeral service for the deceased, a Memorial Service, or no service at all depending on what’s most appropriate for your situation.
4. Cremated remains can be scattered in specifically sanctioned areas. Your funeral or Cremation Director can help you know where scattering is appropriate in your area.
5. Embalming of the remains is not a requirement.
6. Before making your decision, if you are of a particular faith or religion, make sure you understand your religion’s guidelines regarding death and burial.
7. Make sure that your family is aware of the religion’s views on cremation to avoid hurt feelings or misunderstandings.
8. Cremains don’t have to be kept in an urn or other vessel.
9. Cremains can be displayed in a variety of unique and personal ways.
10. Don’t be shy about being creative.
Perhaps you or a loved one have clearly expressed that Cremation is the option of choice–either in a Will or other form of unquestionable communication. Maybe you or someone you love has mentioned Cremation in a casual conversation. Or maybe you are considering Cremation as an option due to personal beliefs or lifestyle.
* Sources: Hal Stevens, Founder, Online Memorials