Cremation is an increasingly popular choice for families. Understanding what happens during the cremation process can provide clarity and peace of mind.
Cremation is chosen for its affordability, simplicity, and versatility. Whether you’re planning a memorial, scattering ashes, or creating keepsakes, understanding the process helps you make informed decisions.
The Cremation Process
Preparation and Documentation
The process begins with paperwork to authorize cremation, including a death certificate and permits. The family provides details about the deceased. If pre-planning, these steps are arranged in advance. The body is respectfully transported to the funeral home or crematory, where it’s stored in a refrigerated unit to preserve dignity.
Identification and Verification
To ensure accuracy, the deceased is identified using strict protocols, such as wristbands or documentation checks. Families may request a viewing or identification before cremation. This step is crucial for closure and to confirm the correct individual is cremated, adhering to legal and ethical standards.
Preparation for Cremation
The body is prepared by removing medical devices or jewelry, as these can interfere with the cremation chamber. The deceased is placed in a combustible container, such as a wooden or cardboard casket.
The Cremation Process
The body is placed in a cremation chamber. The process takes 2 to 3 hours, reducing the body to bone fragments through intense heat. Only one body is cremated at a time to ensure integrity, and modern crematories use advanced filtration to minimize environmental impact.
Processing the Remains
After cremation, bone fragments are cooled and processed into fine ashes using a cremulator. The ashes are placed in a temporary container or a chosen urn. Families receive the ashes within a few days, accompanied by a certificate of cremation.
Memorialization Options
Families can scatter ashes in a meaningful location (with permits), keep them in an urn, or create keepsakes like glass art. A memorial service, with or without the ashes, can be planned to celebrate the loved one’s life.
