Cremation Center of Arizona

What is Cremation, and Why is it Becoming the New Norm?

Cremation is the process of reducing a deceased person's body to its basic elements through high-temperature burning. This ancient practice has been around for thousands of years, but it's only recently gained popularity in the United States. Today, cremation accounts for over 50% of all funeral services, and the numbers are expected to rise.

So, what's driving this shift? For one, cremation is a more affordable option compared to traditional burial. It's also a more environmentally friendly choice, as it reduces the need for land use, embalming fluids, and casket materials. Additionally, cremation offers a range of creative and personalized ways to memorialize your loved one, from scattering ashes in a special location to creating a unique piece of jewelry.

The Benefits of Choosing Cremation

When you choose cremation, you're not only making a cost-effective decision, but you're also opting for a more flexible and personalized approach to saying goodbye. Here are just a few benefits of choosing cremation:

• Cost-effective: Cremation can save you up to 70% compared to traditional burial costs.
• Environmentally friendly: Cremation reduces the need for land use, embalming fluids, and casket materials, making it a more sustainable choice.
• Increased flexibility: With cremation, you can hold a memorial service at a later date, allowing you to take your time to plan a celebration of life that truly honors your loved one.
• Personalization: Cremation offers a range of unique and creative ways to memorialize your loved one, from scattering ashes in a special location to creating a custom piece of jewelry.

The Cremation Process: What to Expect

While the thought of cremation may seem overwhelming, the process itself is relatively straightforward. Here's what you can expect:

The first step is to obtain a cremation permit, which is usually handled by the funeral home or cremation center. Once the permit is obtained, the body is prepared for cremation, which may include washing and dressing the body, as well as placing it in a cremation container.

The body is then placed in a cremation chamber, where it's exposed to high temperatures (typically between 1400°F to 1800°F) for a period of 1-2 hours. The resulting ashes are then processed into a fine powder, which is returned to the family in an urn.

Planning a Memorial Service: Ideas and Inspiration

While the cremation process itself is a private affair, the memorial service is where you can truly celebrate the life of your loved one. Here are some ideas and inspiration to get you started:

• Outdoor celebrations: Consider holding a memorial service at a park, beach, or mountain trail that was special to your loved one.
• Personalized ceremonies: Incorporate personal elements into the service, such as a favorite song, poem, or hobby.
• Scattering ceremonies: Scatter the ashes in a special location, such as a favorite spot or a place that held significance to your loved one.
• Memory tables: Create a memory table with photos, mementos, and personal items that celebrate the life of your loved one.

Cremation Urns and Memorialization Options

Once the cremation process is complete, you'll need to choose an urn to hold the ashes. But that's just the beginning. Here are some cremation urns and memorialization options to consider:

• Traditional urns: Choose from a range of traditional urns made from materials like wood, metal, or ceramic.
• Bio-urns: Opt for a bio-urn that's made from natural materials and can be planted with a tree or flowers.
• Jewelry: Create a custom piece of jewelry that incorporates a small amount of ashes, such as a necklace or bracelet.
• Memorial stones: Place the ashes in a memorial stone that can be placed in a special location, such as a garden or patio.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cremation

Still have questions about cremation? Here are some frequently asked questions to put your mind at ease:

1. Is cremation a safe process?

Yes, cremation is a safe and regulated process that's performed by trained professionals.

2. Can I still have a funeral service if I choose cremation?

Absolutely! You can still hold a funeral service or memorial ceremony to celebrate the life of your loved one.

3. How do I know that I'm receiving the correct ashes?

Cremation centers and funeral homes have strict identification procedures in place to ensure that you receive the correct ashes.

4. Can I scatter ashes anywhere?

While there are some restrictions on scattering ashes, many states and national parks allow it. Be sure to check local regulations before scattering.

5. Is cremation a religiously acceptable option?

Cremation is accepted by many religions, including Christianity, Buddhism, and Hinduism. However, it's always best to check with your religious leader or spiritual advisor.

Resources and Community Support: Your Next Steps

Losing a loved one can be a difficult and overwhelming experience. That's why we're committed to providing you with the resources and support you need to navigate this journey. Here are some next steps to consider:

• Grief counseling: Reach out to a grief counselor or support group to help you process your emotions and find support.
• Online resources: Explore online resources, such as blogs, forums, and support groups, to connect with others who have experienced a similar loss.
• Memorialization: Consider creating a memorial, such as a memory book or tree, to honor the life of your loved one.
• Self-care: Don't forget to take care of yourself during this difficult time. Make sure to prioritize your physical and emotional well-being.