Commonly Asked Questions About Cremation, Explained

Commonly Asked Questions About Cremation, Explained

When preparing for your loved one’s funeral, there are a lot of different factors to figure out. While this is an emotional time, these decisions are important to ensure the celebration of life goes smoothly.

One of the decisions you and your family may have to face is to cremate. Cremation is a popular choice for many families, and it is common to have some questions about exactly how cremation works. So to bypass any confusion, here is a list of some commonly asked questions, answered.

What is cremation?

Cremation is the process of reducing the body into ashes and bone fragments by using intense heat. It is important to know that this is not a funeral service nor a final disposition of the remains, rather, it is simply a method of reducing the body into remains after death.

Why do families choose cremation?

Families tend to choose cremation because it is a cost-effective solution in a time where there can be plenty of expenses.

Are caskets and embalming necessary for cremation?

A casket is not needed once the body is cremated, as the ashes will be given to the family in an urn. Additionally, it is not necessary for the body to be embalmed (the process of removing human organs and preserving human remains). Embalming is typically completed when there is to be a public or private viewing of the deceased before cremation, unless you have a personal preference. If so, your funeral director would be more than willing to accomodate you.

Is it possible for the family and loved ones to view the cremation?

This depends on your funeral home and if this is something you wish to do. Most often, the answer is yes.

Are there any preparations needed before the cremation?

Unless you have specifically requested embalming and a viewing, there is not much that needs to be done before the cremation. Just remove all personal mementos off of the body, and let the funeral director know if there are any medical devices, like a pacemaker, in the body. These can explode and cause a problem during the cremation so it is best to be open about the deceased’s medical background as much as possible.

How long does a cremation take?

It depends on the height and weight of the deceased, but a typical cremation takes between two and three hours.

Is cremation accepted in all religions?

Most religions permit cremation, in fact some recommend it. However, there are some faiths that forbid cremation, including Islam, Greek Orthodox, Jewish Orthodox, and Fundamental Christians. Recently, the Roman Catholic faith has approved cremation, however their Canon Law requires that the remains must be buried or entombed, not scattered.  

What happens once a cremation is complete?

After the cremation, all of the remains will be swept into a cooling pan and larger bone remains will be hand-pressed. Then all of the ashes will be put through a machine to process so all the remains will be a consistent size, and presented to the family in the urn they have chosen. At the end of the process, the ashes are light grey and white.

Can I personally scatter the remains?

This depends on different state laws. Personally scattering remains is illegal in some states, while others require only a licensed funeral director to do it. Check with your funeral parlor and don’t be afraid to express your wishes. They will make sure to accommodate to the best of their ability.

If you have any additional questions or concerns regarding cremation, it would be best to reach out to a professional, such as those at Heritage Cremation Provider. These experts are readily available to help you and your family before, during, and after the grieving process.