Cremation is chosen by many families and individuals as an alternative to traditional burial. The reasons for selecting cremation may be based on personal, religious or societal beliefs. It is important to remember that cremation is simply one part of the final memorialization process. Whether choosing cremation or another means of preparing the body for final disposition, there is still need for a meaningful gathering to commemorate or celebrate the special life of a loved one and to assist survivors in the grieving and healing process. This tribute can take place before or after cremation and may be as personalized as you choose.
Commonly Used Terms | Frequently Asked Questions About Cremation
Commonly Used Terms
Some terms that you may want to become more familiar with include:
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Alternative container
An unfinished wood box or other non-metal receptacle or enclosure, without ornamentation or a fixed interior lining, which is designed for the encasement of human remains and which is made of fiberboard, pressed wood, composition materials (with or without an outside covering) or like materials.
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Columbarium
A structure consisting of small vaults or niches for urns containing cremated remains.
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Cremated remains
The remains of the decedent after completion of cremation and processing.
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Cremation
The reduction of human remains to bone fragments through intense heat, flame and evaporation.
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Cremation casket
A special casket designed to be used when the final disposition of the remains is cremation. The casket may be used for visitation and/or the funeral ceremony, and it is cremated with the decedent.
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Crematory
A building or facility that holds the equipment necessary for cremation.
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Inurnment
The placing of an urn containing cremated remains into a columbarium, niche, crypt, tomb or ground space.
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Niche
A compartment or cubicle for the memorialization and permanent placement of cremated remains.
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Rental casket (Viewing Casket)
A casket or casket shell that is available for rental by the authorized representative of the decedent who will be cremated for use during a viewing or funeral ceremony. After the ceremony, the rental casket remains the property of the funeral home and the decedent is placed in an alternative container for cremation.
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Scattering
The authorized dispersal of cremated remains that have been removed from their container at sea, by air, on public or private property but only with express permission of the land holder or owner, or by commingling in a designated area within the dedicated cemetery or other authorized location, including the mixing of cremated remains with, or placing them on top of, the soil or ground cover.
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Urn
A container made from a variety of materials including, but not limited to, bronze, ceramic, glass, porcelain, wood or other materials, into which cremated remains are placed. Many are designed in traditional vase-like shapes or square and rectangular cubes.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cremation
- What is involved in the cremation process?
- Are special cremation containers and caskets available?
- Do I have to buy a casket when choosing cremation?
- Do you have to embalm the body even though it will be cremated?
- Are the services held before or after cremation?
- How does a memorial service differ from a traditional funeral ceremony?
- What happens to the cremated remains?
- How can we memorialize cremation?
- In choosing a cremation urn, what are my choices?
- What do most poeple do with the urn?
- Why is it important to select a final resting place for the cremated remains?
- Isn't cremation less expensive than traditional burial?
- With the shortage of cemetery space, isn't cremation a better solution?
What is involved in the cremation process?
During your first call to the funeral home to let the funeral arranger know that a death has occurred, the funeral arranger will gather information to be able to transport your loved one to the funeral home. The arranger will schedule a date and time for you to meet at the funeral home to gather necessary information and obtain required authorizations.
Before cremation occurs, the death certificate must be completed and signed by the attending physician or medical examiner, and all civil and medical authorities must have issued all required permits. In addition, necessary authorizations to cremate must be obtained from the next of kin or other authorized person. Regulations in many states also require that a certain number of hours must have transpired since the death occurred (usually 24 to 48 hours). After these conditions are met, the cremation takes place and the cremated remains are placed in the designated container or urn selected for disposition. The family or those authorized to make arrangements will want to discuss with their funeral arranger specifics concerning a personal tribute to the deceased and whether this will occur before or after the cremation process, or both.
Are special cremation containers and caskets available?
We offer a wide variety of cremation containers including caskets, alternative containers and urns to meet each family's needs. A cremation casket is a special casket constructed from materials that are environmentally friendly. It appears very similar to burial caskets and may be used for a visitation and/or a funeral ceremony or gathering. It is cremated with the decedent. There are also a variety of alternative containers from which to choose.
Do I have to buy a casket when choosing cremation?
Crematories will require a suitable container to house the body for the cremation process. Cremation caskets or alternative containers are available to satisfy the requirements of a suitable container. In some instances, a rental casket may be available and can be used for a ceremony with an alternative container used for cremation.
Do you have to embalm the body even though it will be cremated?
No, unless refrigeration is not available or you select a service with a formal viewing or visitation.
Are the services held before or after cremation?
Services, or gatherings as they are more commonly being called, are held at the discretion of the family. The service or gathering is a place and time for family and friends to come together to celebrate special memories of the decedent and to support each other during this time of loss. Many choose to have a traditional service first, followed by the cremation. Others may have a memorial service at some point before or after the cremation.
How does a memorial service differ from a traditional funeral ceremony?
A gathering of friends, family and/or clergy provides a meaningful personalized tribute for the person who has died as well as support for the living. The difference between a memorial service and traditional funeral ceremony is that the casket and decedent are not present at a memorial service and are present at a traditional funeral ceremony. Some families also choose to have memorial services with the urn present and that option is available as well.
What happens to the cremated remains?
There are several options to consider with a cremation. A family can choose to bury the cremated remains in a cemetery, store and display them at home in an urn, or scatter them in a place special to the deceased. Many cemeteries have created areas specifically for cremated remains. These areas may be in a mausoleum, in a columbarium, in a ground burial area or in a cremation garden offering even more choices. It is necessary to check local restrictions on scattering cremated remains on public property or private property.
How can we memorialize cremation?
There are many ways to memorialize a decedent after cremation. One option is burial of the urn, marked with a bronze memorial or sculpture. There are also memorialization options available, including keepsake urns, columbarium niches and cremation benches. We can review with you all the choices available to meet the needs of your family or the wishes of your loved one.
In choosing a cremation urn, what are my choices?
You may choose urns made from bronze, ceramic, glass, porcelain, wood or other materials. Many are designed in traditional vase-like shapes or square and rectangular cubes. Today, there are also a variety of urn designs available to reflect the hobbies, beliefs or lifestyle of the decedent.
What do most people do with the urn?
There are many choices for selecting a final resting place for the urn, including niches in a columbarium and in-ground burial.
Why is it important to select a final resting place for the cremated remains?
Whether you choose to scatter the cremated remains or place them in an urn, it is important to choose a final resting place. This provides your family and friends with a focal point to assist them in remembering the life that was lived.
Isn't cremation less expensive than traditional burial?
There is a wide selection of choices and price ranges for cremation services and merchandise. As with traditional burial, the family will decide how much or how little to spend on a cremation service.With the shortage of cemetery space, isn't cremation a better solution?
There is not a shortage of cemetery space. People choose cremation for a variety of reasons. Choosing cremation is a personal decision based on individual preference and beliefs.