The Cremation Process Explained

Welcome to the Cremation information site, where we educate you on the cremation process and related topics.  If you are reading this site because someone in your family has passed away, we are sincerely sorry for your loss, and hope that the content here on  cremation will help you through this difficult time. The Cremation process can vary from state to state depending upon each state’s laws. The information in this article has been compiled to give you a brief understanding of how this process works. However, it is important to keep in mind that you may see slight variations depending upon where you live.

Prior to the Cremation Process

Cremation Process If the family of the deceased person is interested in having a funeral or other ceremony, these will normally take place prior to the  cremation. However, in cases where the family is not interested in having a viewing of the body, the cremation can take place  prior to the funeral. The family must also sign any relevant legal documents before the cremation takes place.

If the deceased person has any mechanical devices or implants, their family should notify the cremation director so that he or she  can remove them. Failing to remove these devices can cause damage to crematoriums, and the family may be responsible for the  cost of those damages. In addition, any personal artifacts that the family wishes to keep should be removed as they cannot be  gotten after the cremation.

 The Processing of the Remains

When it is time for the actual cremation, the body which is in an air tight casket or container will be placed in the cremation  chamber. There it will be enveloped in heat and flames that can reach temperatures ranging form 1,400 to 1,800 degrees  Fahrenheit. Almost everything in the chamber will be consumed by the fire. To ensure that the body is evenly burned, it may have  to be adjusted during the process. This is done by opening the door to the chamber and moving the body. The substances that will  not be consumed by the fire include jewelry, gold teeth, prosthetic limbs, casket latches or hinges, and other things made from  non-combustible materials.

The entire cremation may take anywhere from one and a half to three hours. Then, the remains will be allowed to cool. After they cool, they will be swept out of the chamber. Many people opt to have these remains placed in an urn. The contents of the urn will weigh anywhere from three to nine pounds, and they will appear white in color.

The non-combustible objects will be separated from any remaining bone fragments. According to most laws, the crematory staff will dispose of these objects in a manner which makes them impossible to retrieve.

After the Cremation Process

After the Cremation, the crematory will return the remains to the family. The family has the responsibility of choosing where to keep the remains. Their choice may be influenced by their individual religious beliefs. However, here are some examples of where families place their remains:Cremation Process

• A mausoleum or columbarium which may be located indoors or outdoors
• A family burial plot
• A special cemetery that provides places for urns
• Scattered in a special place as long as it is okay with local laws

Cremation Process: Additional Information

cremation process

Religious Viewpoints on the Cremation Process

Generally speaking, cremating a body is forbidden in the Islamic and Orthodox Jewish faiths. Although the sentiment was often  different in the distant and more recent past, Christian denominations tend to support cremating if this is what the individual would  have wanted and is chosen by the remaining family members. Feelings regarding the body as the house of the soul often determine  whether or not cremating is viewed positively or negatively.

Cremation Process Details

Initial queries may focus on cost, location, and other logistical concerns, but there are other aspects to consider. Lingering doubts before, during, or after selecting the process do not have to cloud what can be a fitting way to handle a death. Accordingly, other things to consider include:cermation process

• Safety
• Security
• Family involvement
• Funeral home involvement
• Environmental impact

Although specifics often vary by state or jurisdiction, there are legal requirements that providers must follow to ensure safe handling of bodies and remains. Your chosen provider, therefore, should readily provide an explanation of their operating procedures and policies should you have any questions. Likewise, security procedures should be in place to minimize human error as much as possible. All of the cremated remains should be returned to you and your family, and it is not uncommon to witness the proceedings as part of the funeral service. While a funeral home can serve as an initial resource, the process of cremating is usually handled by a third party provider. It is worth noting that caskets are not required and may not be as good a choice as a container constructed purely of wood or even cardboard, as the container is cremated along with the body.

Why Cremation?

The decision to cremate is a very important and personal choice. Here are some common reasons people choose this option.  As travel becomes easier families move around they are less likely to be nearby to visit a grave site. Also, the practice has become much more acceptable, in 2000, twenty percent of deceased were cremated in the USA, and this number is predicted to continue to grow.
Environmental considerations are becoming more important, and as embalming is prohibited and major legislation exists to regulate environmental impact, the process may have appeal in this regard as well.  Furthermore, ties to tradition have become weaker, and nationally (USA), fewer folks are choosing traditional memorials.  Generally the process is more accepted, and this is in part because religious restrictions are being cut back. The Catholic Church, for example, lifted its cremation ban in 1963.  Greater flexibility is another reason to choose this service.  Memorial service options using the process are almost limitless, including having your ashes scattered in an important location.

Five Primary reasons:Cremation process

  1. Personal Preference (6%)
  2. Body Not in Earth (6%) – Some do not welcome the idea of being buried, well others like the environmental responsibility bit.
  3. Simpler (8%) – less of a burden for family.
  4. Saves Land (13%) – It should only take about one-tenth of the land.
  5. Saves Money (30%) – On average

For more information on various aspects of the cremation process, please explore the rest of this site which will answer all of your questions.