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Whether you are considering cremation or would just like more information on the subject, this booklet is designed to give you some information and background about the types of services, memorialization options, rituals, and other choices that are available.
Cremation is a very personal choice. You must determine what form of preparation for the final disposition you desire. Whether you choose earth burial, entombment, or cremation, it is wise consider the emotional needs of your survivors. By including your family and loved ones in your decisions, you may avoid the possibility of added stress during a very emotional time for your survivors.
Please click on a topic below for more details.
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What is cremation?
Cremation is a process used to prepare the body for final disposition. Through the use of intense heat and direct flames, the body is reduced to bone fragments. Cremation is not intended to replace elements of the traditional funeral which may include any or all of the following: a service or ceremony at a church, funeral home chapel, lodge or other location; a visitation, viewing or wake; a graveside service. It is simply an alternative to earth burial or entombment of the body of the deceased.
Our staff can provide you with the information to help you make the personal choices that best fit your needs no matter what type of services you choose. Please call us today at xxx-xxxx to discuss your desires.
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How long as cremation been a choice in caring for our loved ones?
The age-old practice of cremation has been traced back as far as the Bronze Age (4000 B.C. - 1000 B.C.). In the book, Cremation and the Funeral Director, Michael W. Kubasak identifies the many shifts in the post-death funeral practices throughout history. He explains that the research of the history of funeral practices indicates that changes in dominant religious, philosophical or cultural beliefs systems are usually the factors that cause these shifts.
Contrary to what some believe, the more contemporary practice of cremation is certainly not just a recent trend as it dates back to the middle of the 19th Century. Practiced throughout the world as a method of preparing the body for the final disposition, cremation is a commonly performed in several Asian and European countries and is becoming more prevalent in North America.
Historians say residents of Athens and Ancient Greece developed the tradition of cremating the bodies of their warriors on the battlefield. After the cremation, they would return the cremated remains to Athens for ceremony and entombment.
Since then the methods of preparing the body for final disposition, as well as the types of rituals, services and gatherings, have varied greatly from time to time from place to place. Cremation was used in Scandinavia during the Bronze and Early Middle Ages, in Rome during the period of the republic, and in England under Queen Victoria's reign.
The construction of the first crematory in the United States was in Pennsylvania in 1876. Between 1886 and 1900 cremations represented less than 1 percent of deaths. Today 20 percent of the deaths in the United States result in cremation, and by the year 2000, it is predicted that 25 percent of Americans will choose cremation. Canada's cremation rate is 36 percent with a projected 44 percent by the year 2000.
Research from the Cremation Association of North America highlights eight trends that contributed to the increase in cremation.
- Increasing life expectancy
- Increasing migration to retirement locations
- Diminishing regional differences
- Changes origins of immigrants
- Rising Educational level
- Cremation is becoming more acceptable as a normal form of preparation for the final disposition.
- Fewer ties to tradition
- Environmental considerations
Along with these trends, reasons for choosing cremation range from a personal preference and monetary concerns to religious beliefs. Because religious beliefs concerning cremation have varied greatly in the past, you may want to check with you clergy person before making a final decision. Regardless, almost all religions encourage permanent memorialization of cremated remains.
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Are there any restrictions on services and gatherings related to cremated remains?
Many believe that if you choose cremation, you are limited to a very simple service or no service at all. The fact is, cremation in no way prevents family and friends from participating in traditions, ceremonies, or rituals of a funeral service.
Again, like the earth burial or entombment, there are many options: cremation with public or private viewing only, cremation with viewing and/or ceremonies with no ceremonies, cremation with full ceremonies, or cremation with no ceremonies. This is a list of the most common choices, but you can personalize services to suit you family traditions or customs.
When many people realize these choices are available, the majority select some type of ceremony, viewing, etc. Ceremonies and viewings are intended to help survivors by providing an opportunity to acknowledge the loss and by offering a sense of closure. They provide a time for loved ones to release their feelings and share their grief, so the healing process may begin.
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Memorial service
The only difference between a funeral service and a memorial service is that at times the body is not present at the memorial service. However, during a memorial service cremated remains may be present in an urn. Many times the family will have chosen the option to view the body before cremation and the memorial service.
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Cremation with No Ceremony
A funeral director should be contacted for removal of the deceased when the choice is cremation with no ceremony or immediate cremation with no ceremony. However, immediate cremation is desired, it generally takes place without embalming, viewing, ceremony, gathering, or other elements of a funeral service. Survivors often regret not having some form of service, ceremony or viewing to provide the opportunity to say good-bye. It has been proven that taking part in the processes of arranging and attending funeral ceremonies can be therapeutic. So, be sure to consider all of your options before making this decision.
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What is involved in the process of cremation?
Cremation of a human being is a process that prepares the body for its ultimate disposition. Ultimate disposition may be earth burial, entombment, placement in a niche or in a garden within a cemetery, scattered at sea, or holding in a safe keeping by a family member or their designated representative.
Before the cremation process may take place may take place, certain medical devices and/or implants must be removed from the body. These may include pacemakers, prosthesis, mechanical and radioactive devices, or other implants. Not removing these items could cause damage to the cremation chamber or to crematory personal. The funeral director also needs to know if the deceased was treated with any radioactive medication.
The body is placed into a cremation casket or a combustible cremation container of some kind. The casket or container and the body are placed into the cremation chamber and consumed by the intense heat and flames. All soft tissues are vaporized, and the skeletal body framework is reduced to bone fragments and particles. Specific requirements may apply in cases where crematories allow the use of metal caskets.
Cremated remains normally weigh between four and eight pounds. This can vary depending on the individual. The cremated remains will be placed in an urn or cremated remains container used to hold the cremated remains of a human being.
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Embalming
Requirements for embalming vary depending on selection of services made by the family and state/local or provincial law. If the family chooses to view the body, embalming is generally necessary according to funeral home policy. Normally, in the case of immediate cremation, embalming is not required. Be sure you understand the regulations for your area. Consult with your Golden Rule Funeral Home because regulations may vary in your state or providence.
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Memorialization Options
Selecting the appropriate memorialization is also an important decision. The memorial should be given considerable thought as it will represent a permanent dedication to the deceased and a formal place of refection for generations that follow.
Cremation offers several memorialization options. Your funeral director can give you ideas based on your specific circumstances and wishes such as bronze memorials, monuments, and plaques to be placed on a fraternal or Veteran's memorial, grave or niche. Sometimes you can choose a plaque and place it on a tree or bench at the cemetery or memorial park.
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Expenses
Like earth burial or entombment, the expense of a cremation can vary greatly depending on your choice of services, final disposition, cremation container and urn selection. Your golden Rule Funeral Home will discuss all of your options and costs with you.
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Some Final Disposition Options
"What should be done with the cremated remains?" This is another important decision when choosing cremation. Again, you have several options.
Some prefer to keep the cremated remains in their personal possession. Others feel it is more appropriate to put the remains in a formal or permanent location.
It is common to bury the urn just as you would bury a casket. This allows families to remain together in a burial plot regardless of each family member's choice of preparation for final disposition. The burial site offers a permanent place for loved ones to visit and reflect on the life of the deceased. Burial can also be in an urn garden or private crypt.
A columbarium also provides a permanent place for the family to visit. The columbarium niche is marked with a nameplate listing dates of birth and death. This choice is ideal for those who prefer above ground entombment.
Scattering is also an option for final disposition of cremated remains. Cremated remains are often spread over a lake, river, ocean, mountain, field, or scattering garden. If you are interested in scattering, your funeral director can give you details about regulations in your area and can also make arrangements. This is entirely a personal choice and one that should be carefully considered. Think of the future generations before you make your decision because once it is done it is irreversible.
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Prearrangement
Often people wish to arrange their funeral, so their family doesn't have to make the difficult decisions during their time of grief. This is also possible when considering cremation. Prepaying allows you to eliminate another worry for your survivors. If you are interested in prearrangement, please discuss it with your family first. We can help you with preplanning and funding options. It is a good idea to let at least one person close to you know of your wishes. This will eliminate any added stress to your family at the time of death.
It's always your choice
We hope this information has given you some insight as to what options you have when choosing cremation. Just remember that cremation is a very personal choice.
Please call us at (856) 983-1005 , if you have further questions or if additional information to help you make this important, personal decision.
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