Interment cremation has been gaining popularity as a funeral choice worldwide. This process allows the deceased's remains to be turned into ashes and then preserved or scattered based on the family's wishes. This blog aims to educate readers about interment cremation, its processes and advantages, and ways to memorialize one’s close-ones after cremation.
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Understanding Interment Cremation
Interment cremation involves the incinerating of the deceased body and then burying or scattering the ashes. It's considered an environment-friendly option and relatively affordable in comparison to traditional burial.
Process of Interment Cremation
The body is placed in a heat-resistant container and incinerated at high temperatures. The heat reduces the body to ashes, leaving bone fragments, which are then ground into a fine powder. These ashes, or cremains, are given to the family who can choose to scatter, keep, or inter them.
Advantages of Interment Cremation
Interment cremation also offers flexibility in funeral arrangements. It's less time-restrictive than a burial, allowing families more time for planning memorial services. Moreover, the ashes can be transported easily, allowing families to conduct memorial services anywhere they prefer.
Memorializing After Cremation
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Families have several options for memorializing their loved ones after cremation. These include interring the ashes in traditional graves, niches, or scattering in chosen locations. Some families also prefer to keep the ashes in an urn at home, or turn them into keepsake jewelry.
Interment Cremation Example:
The Miller family chose to have their father cremated after he passed away. Post-cremation, the family decided to divide the ashes among themselves. Each family member chose a different way of memorializing their father. While his daughter placed the ashes in an urn in her living room, his son had the ashes turned into a pendant. His wife scattered a part of the ashes in their garden, a place he loved, while the rest of it was interred in a columbarium.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is interment cremation?
Interment cremation refers to the process where the cremated remains (ashes) of a deceased person are placed in a final resting place. This can be in a columbarium niche, buried in the ground in an urn, or interred in a family plot or urn garden. The intention is to provide a dignified and permanent location for the remains.
How does cremation work?
Cremation is a process that uses high heat and evaporation to reduce a body to its basic elements, referred to as ashes or cremated remains. The process generally takes a few hours, and the remains are then processed into a fine powder.
Is interment cremation more affordable than a traditional burial?
Yes, interment cremation is often more affordable than a traditional burial because it typically involves fewer services, such as embalming and purchasing a casket and vault. Additionally, the cost of a burial plot and headstone can be more expensive compared to a cremation niche or urn plot.
Can we have a funeral service with cremation?
Absolutely, a funeral or memorial service can be held before or after the cremation process. This service can be personalized to honor the deceased in a manner that is meaningful to the family and friends.
What is a columbarium?
A columbarium is a structure designed for the storage of urns containing cremated remains. It is often located within a mausoleum or chapel in a cemetery and provides an above-ground option for those choosing interment cremation.
What is an urn garden?
An urn garden is a dedicated area in a cemetery allocated for the burial of urns. It is a landscaped space that can provide a serene and natural setting for visitors to remember their loved ones.
Can cremated remains be scattered instead of interred?
Yes, cremated remains can be scattered in a variety of locations, depending on local laws and regulations. Some choose to scatter the ashes in a place that was meaningful to their loved one, while others may select a scattering garden specifically designed for this purpose within a cemetery.
How long does it take to receive the cremated remains after the process?
The time it takes to receive the cremated remains can vary but typically, it takes a few days to a week after the cremation process is complete. The timing can also depend on the schedule of the crematorium and any services being planned.
Can multiple cremated remains be interred in the same plot?
Many cemeteries do allow for multiple cremated remains to be interred in the same plot. This arrangement often depends on the cemetery's specific rules and the size of the urns.
Is a casket required for cremation?
No, a traditional casket is not required for cremation. However, a rigid, combustible container is generally necessary to transport the body to the crematorium. This container is much simpler and less expensive than a traditional casket.
Are there different types of urns available?
Yes, there are numerous types of urns available ranging from basic to highly decorative, and they can be made from a variety of materials such as wood, metal, ceramic, glass, or biodegradable materials. The choice of an urn is a personal decision based on preference, budget, and plans for the cremated remains.
Can I personalize a memorial service with cremation?
Certainly, a memorial service can be personalized in many ways including music, readings, displays of photographs and memorabilia, and even custom-designed urns. The flexibility of cremation often allows for creative and meaningful tributes.
Is embalming necessary for cremation?
Embalming is not typically necessary for cremation unless there is a public viewing or the burial is delayed. Direct cremation, in which the body is cremated shortly after death, usually does not require embalming.
What can be done with the cremated remains following the interment?
Following the interment, families may choose to add memorial markers, plaques, or grave stones to mark the location of their loved one's remains. They may also choose to hold annual remembrance ceremonies or visit regularly.
Is it possible to transport cremated remains?
Yes, cremated remains can be transported, although there are specific rules and regulations that must be followed, especially when transporting across state lines or internationally. It is important to check with the airline or transportation service for their policies and also to understand any legal requirements at the destination.
Are there religious considerations with cremation?
Religious considerations vary widely among different faiths and cultures. Some religions fully accept cremation, while others may have restrictions or prohibitions. It is essential to consult with religious leaders or representatives if there are concerns or requirements specific to your faith.
How do I choose a final resting place for the cremated remains?
Choosing a final resting place for cremated remains is a personal decision that may be influenced by factors like family tradition, personal beliefs, the deceased's wishes, and financial considerations. Some opt for a place with personal significance while others prefer a traditional cemetery setting.
Can interment cremation still occur if the death happens abroad?
Yes, interment cremation can occur if the death happens abroad. The process would involve the cremation occurring in the country where the death took place, followed by the repatriation of the cremated remains to the desired country for interment.
Will I receive a certificate following the cremation?
Following the cremation, a Certificate of Cremation is typically issued by the crematory or funeral home. This document serves as a legal record of the cremation and may be necessary for interment and other post-cremation arrangements.
What ethical considerations are involved in cremation and interment?
Ethical considerations surrounding cremation and interment include the respectful handling of the body, environmental concerns related to the cremation process itself, and thoughtful selection of the interment site. The dignity of the deceased and the emotional needs of the family are central to the process.
How can I ensure my wishes for cremation and interment are fulfilled?
To ensure your wishes for cremation and interment are fulfilled, it is recommended to pre-plan and legally document your preferences. Sharing these plans with close family members and investing in a pre-need contract with a funeral home can provide further assurance that your choices will be respected.
Exploring the interment cremation process can be emotional and even overwhelming, but remember, it can also be a beautiful and meaningful way to honor your loved one. Considering the advantages it offers, this form of last respects could well be the one you choose. We invite you to explore more about memorializing your loved ones on Eulogy Assistant, share this blog with those who might benefit from it, and join us again as we continue to examine the many facets of death, funerals, and the loving remembrances we cherish.