Cremation has been one of the most common traditional practices when it comes to burying the dearly departed. In the United States, over half of the population prefers to be cremated.
It has become so popular that the National Funeral Directors Association has predicted that cremation rates will go above 75% by 2035. However, the practice continues to be shrouded in secrecy even if it’s been already around for over 2,000 years. Hence, understanding what happens behind the scenes can help people decide if it’s the best decision for them.
In this article, we’ll walk you through the step-by-step cremation process. If you want to learn how it works, read on.
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Why Do People Choose to Get Cremated?
How a family chooses to commemorate the death of their loved ones is completely up to them. It can be decided among a number of factors. These include religious practices, personal wishes, and finances to name a few.
As time goes by, cremation is gaining popularity as a form of burial. Indeed, it has its benefits such as being more cost-effective, better care for the environment, and flexibility to honor the deceased.
All in all, these are some of the main factors a family considers when deciding how to place their loved ones to eternal rest.
Step-by-Step Cremation Process
Cremation is not just simply burning a body and gathering the ashes. Along with everything related to one’s life, there is a process that must be followed as well. Here are the steps to cremating someone’s remains.
1. Identify the Deceased Person
Naturally, you would want to ensure that the body being cremated and honored is the correct one. This is the first and most important step in the entire cremation process. Throughout the remainder of the process, a label will be placed on the body to ensure proper identification.
2. Proper Authorization
The crematory must have the authorization (person varies situationally) before the process begins. Essential information such as where the remains will be stored are all a part of this.
3. Preparing the Body
Whatever is on the deceased’s body will be included in the cremation. Clothes and jewelry that are requested to be included all depend on the family, and anything medical or mechanical is removed.
4. Placing in Cremation Chamber
Where the cremation happens is in the cremation chamber. It’s properly transported and supported to ensure that nothing happens to it on its way there. When it’s inside and the procedure has been followed, the cremation starts.
5. Finalization of Remains
Sometimes, a cremated person may have metal included in their ashes for whatever reason such as clothes and things being surgically placed. The remains are inspected for these things where they are separated and in most cases recycled after.
6. Transferring of the Ashes
More often than not, the ashes are placed in an urn and handed to the family after everything has concluded.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About the Cremation Process:
How Long Does it Take?
The cremation process is mostly the burning (or in some cases, liquidating) of the body. It can go from 2-3 hours under a flame to 16 hours and above using liquid.
Where are the Remains Placed?
They are placed in a safe and appropriate storage before being handed to the family. In most cases, an urn is picked out before the process starts.
What to do With Remains?
That is completely up to the family to decide. Some will place them in a columbarium, while others opt for something more sentimental such as cremation jewelry.
Cremation jewelry includes items such as cremation rings, necklaces, and bracelets, depending on your preference.
Final Thoughts
Cremation is a very popular process to put your loved ones to rest. It foregoes the traditional usage of a coffin and saves a lot of money in the process, while still preserving memories through personalized memorial engravings and designs. Ultimately, the choice to do either is down to personal preference.
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