subject: Understanding The Process Of Cremation [print this page] If you have had a loved one die, or perhaps you are making plans for your own future, it is important to decide whether you are going to choose burial or cremation. They are two very different options with different pros and cons which must be considered.
If you do choose to be cremated, you might want to bury the ashes as well. Most families feel that the cremated remains of someone they love should be afforded a resting place that can be identified by the name and dates.
This is memorialization. Most families find that a memorial, regardless of its size, serves a basic human need to remember and to be remembered. Thus, you may choose both routes.
If you don't want to bury the ashes, you may want to consider spreading them somewhere. This may be legally done in most areas, but most people believe that in consideration of the descendants of the departed that some form of memorialization should be provided.
Furthermore, there are reasons for not scattering, because it is for many a very traumatic experience. It can be soul shaking to spill out all that is mortal of someone you have known and loved.
One should realize how much is being asked of the person who is to do the scattering. Some crematories provide scattering gardens within their dedicated property, often with the option of personal memorials.
The use of dedicated property assures the site chosen will not be developed for other use at some future time. If you are choosing to keep the ashes, a final resting place for cremated remains can be provided by various means.
The family may choose from a full selection of urns for permanent containment of the cremated remains. The urns may be placed in a columbarium, which is a building or structure where single niche space or family units may be selected.
Niches are recessed compartments enclosed by either glass protecting the engraved urn or ornamental fronts upon which the name and dates are featured. Of course, family lots may be used and cemeteries often permit the interment of more than one person in an adult space if cremation has occurred.
In many cemeteries, there are also specially designed areas for this purpose, which are called urn gardens. If a loss is sudden and unexpected, cost may be an issue as to how you will proceed.
The basic charge for just cremation is somewhat less than a traditional burial. However, with so many items of service available to the family both in the funeral service before and in the mode of disposition after, it's not possible to make an accurate comparison.
Again, the family has the option to select as much or as little as they choose and with cremation they have more options. If you are confused as to how to proceed, you may want to consult a funeral director.
Some governmental jurisdictions require a licensed person to transport a body and to obtain the necessary permits. Funeral directors are among those so licensed and are the only ones permitted to do so in some jurisdictions.
Normally, the funeral director performs the same professional functions regarding cremations as in any other service. In some areas funeral directors operate crematories in conjunction with their funeral homes.
The last question that often arises is if embalming is necessary. The answer is no, but the factors of time, health and possible legal regulations and religious beliefs might make embalming prior to cremation either appropriate or necessary.
As a point of information, heart pacemakers or similar devices should be removed, because they may become dangerous when subjected to the extreme heat of the cremation chamber. Whether or not you choose to take this route may also be affected by religious beliefs.
Some religions believe that defiling the body by burning it goes against the laws of God, and sanctity. It is important to do what you feel is right and comfortable, and you may or may not want to seek the advice of your particular religious council.
When it comes down to it, it is a matter of personal opinion. Whatever you do, do what is appropriate and comfortable for you, and your family-the end of life is a confusing and sacred time-take the time to research and understand all your options.
