Advantages, Process and How Cremation Helps You Heal
One of the more difficult decisions that comes with handling a loss in the family is whether or not the deceased should be buried or cremated. Most loved ones will make their wishes known but if this is not the case, you might be wondering which option is best. The truth is that neither option is considered better than the other. It comes down to personal preference and what you want for future remembrance.
How is the cremation process completed?
A cremation can only be completed at a certified crematorium. Arrangements are made by family members. Some states require a waiting period, up to 48 hours, after death before a cremation can be completed. Take this into consideration when planning memorial services.
The body is placed into a coffin or container. Any prosthetics, radioactive devices or pacemakers are removed. The coffin or container is placed into the cremation chamber where intense heat is administered. This heat vaporizes the body until all that remains are ashes. This can take anywhere from one to four hours, depending on the size of the body. Any bones that did not vaporize will be manually turned to ashes.
The ashes are allowed to cool for a few hours before being placed in an urn or container chosen by the family.
What does a family do with the ashes?
Some families will have the ashes buried in a cemetery or placed in a vault. Some choose to keep the ashes in their home. This is common for married couples, who wish to be buried together.
Some families have a traditional memorial service with the urn present instead of a casket. For some families, the memorial service could be held in a non-traditional place, like the deceased’s favorite restaurant or at their home. This creates a more personal place to remember and grieve.
For some families, a ceremony is scheduled to spread the ashes. This could be done in a body of water, in a wooded area or in a favorite location of the deceased. This is often a ceremony for close family members only.
What are the advantage of cremation?
If you are comparing cremation to traditional burial, there are some differences that could appeal to you. First, cremation is more affordable than a traditional burial service. This is even more true if the memorial service is held in a home instead of a funeral parlor.
Having a body cremated is better than burial when viewed from an environmental point of view. Even if the ashes are released back into nature, they simply become one with the environment. There are no dangerous side effects of doing this.
One of the best benefits of cremation is that it allows family members to keep a small part of their loved one near them. This can be comforting and reassuring for some. One way of doing this is through cremation jewelry. Johnston’s Cremation Jewelry can provide you with a stunning piece of jewelry to add your loved one’s ashes to so that you can keep them near you at all times. Reach out to Johnston’s Cremation Jewelry today for more information.