Matthews Cremation

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

Cremation is a process that reduces a deceased person's body to its basic elements, leaving behind a few pounds of cremated remains. This ancient practice has been around for thousands of years, but it's only recently gained popularity as a modern, eco-friendly, and cost-effective alternative to traditional burial.

In the United States alone, the cremation rate has risen from 34% in 2000 to over 53% in 2020, with projections suggesting it will reach 70% by 2030. This shift is driven by changing attitudes toward death, the environment, and personalization.

The Benefits of Cremation: Why it's a Popular Choice

Cremation offers numerous advantages that resonate with the values of modern generations:

• Environmental sustainability: Cremation reduces the carbon footprint associated with traditional burials, which can pollute soil and groundwater.
• Cost-effectiveness: Cremation can be significantly cheaper than traditional burial, with average costs ranging from $1,000 to $3,000.
• Personalization: Cremation allows for a wide range of memorialization options, from scattering ashes in a special location to creating custom urns or jewelry.
• Flexibility: Cremation provides families with the flexibility to hold a memorial service at a later date, allowing for more time to plan and reflect.

The Cremation Process: What to Expect

The cremation process involves several steps:

1. Preparation: The deceased is prepared for cremation, which may include washing, dressing, and cosmetic restoration.
2. Cremation: The body is placed in a cremation chamber, where it is exposed to high temperatures, reducing it to bone fragments.
3. Processing: The bone fragments are processed into a fine powder, known as cremated remains or ashes.
4. Return of ashes: The cremated remains are returned to the family in an urn or container, which can be chosen from a variety of options.

Cremation Services: Honoring Your Loved One's Memory

Matthews Cremation offers a range of services to help you celebrate your loved one's life:

• Traditional funeral services: Combine cremation with a traditional funeral service, complete with a viewing and ceremony.
• Memorial services: Hold a memorial service without the body present, focusing on sharing stories and memories of your loved one.
• Direct cremation: Opt for a simple, low-cost cremation without a funeral or memorial service.
• Cremation with a celebration of life: Combine cremation with a unique celebration of life, tailored to your loved one's personality and interests.

Urns and Memorialization: Honoring Your Loved One's Memory

Matthews Cremation offers a wide range of urns and memorialization options to help you honor your loved one's memory:

• Urn selection: Choose from a variety of urns, including biodegradable, wooden, metal, and ceramic options.
• Cremation jewelry: Create custom jewelry pieces that hold a small portion of the cremated remains.
• Tree planting: Plant a tree in memory of your loved one, using a biodegradable urn that nourishes the tree as it grows.
• Scattering gardens: Designate a special area for scattering ashes, often with a memorial plaque or monument.

Frequently Asked Questions about Cremation

Here are some common questions and answers about cremation:

1. Is cremation a safe process?

Yes, cremation is a safe and regulated process, with strict guidelines in place to ensure the dignity and respect of the deceased.

2. Can I still have a funeral or memorial service with cremation?

Absolutely! Cremation can be combined with a traditional funeral service, memorial service, or celebration of life.

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

Matthews Cremation uses a rigorous identification process to ensure the correct ashes are returned to the family.

4. Can I scatter ashes in a special location?

Yes, with permission from the landowner or local authorities, you can scatter ashes in a special location that holds meaning to your loved one.

5. Is cremation a more environmentally friendly option?

Yes, cremation is generally considered a more environmentally friendly option than traditional burial, as it reduces the carbon footprint and land use.

Resources and Community Support: Your Next Steps

Matthews Cremation is committed to providing you with the resources and support you need to navigate the cremation process:

• Grief support groups: Connect with others who have experienced a loss, sharing your story and finding comfort in a supportive community.
• Online resources: Access a wealth of information on cremation, grief, and memorialization, including articles, videos, and webinars.
• Pre-planning tools: Plan ahead and make informed decisions about your own funeral and cremation arrangements.