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Answer:
You do not always have to wait to cremate a deceased person, but most funeral homes and crematoriums in the United States will wait three days before proceeding with either cremation or burial. This waiting period allows grieving family and friends to make arrangements for a memorial service or funeral, and provides time for transportation and the service itself. Additionally, the extra time allows the funeral home and crematorium to obtain a death certificate and the immediate family's permission to cremate. If your loved one has pre-planned for a direct cremation without a memorial service, you may be able to have your loved one cremated immediately, depending on your cremation provider.
Answer:
Larger people may require larger urns, because the volume of ashes after cremation is generally proportional to body size. A starting estimate is one cubic inch of ashes per one pound of body weight, so a larger individual would produce more ashes and require a larger urn. However, bone density is a large determining factor in the amount of ashes a person may have after cremation, so using our urn size calculator to estimate the volume of ashes using information such as age, height, weight, and gender can produce a more precise estimate.
What do ashes or cremated remains look like?
Educational Resources > Collecting Ashes After a Cremation, Educational Resources > Understanding the Cremation Process
Answer:
Cremated remains are often referred to as ashes, but they are actually remnants of bone that have not burned during cremation. After cremation, the remaining skeleton is crushed into small particles that can vary in size, but usually resemble coarse sand or crushed seashells. These remains may vary in color from white to dark gray, and the exact shade can vary depending on factors such as the temperature of the cremation chamber, the duration of the process, and the composition of the individual's bones. Typically, higher temperatures and longer durations result in whiter or light gray remains, while lower temperatures and shorter durations can produce darker gray or even bluish hues.
What do ashes or cremated remains look like?
Educational Resources > Collecting Ashes After a Cremation, Educational Resources > Understanding the Cremation Process
Answer:
Cremated remains are often referred to as ashes, but they are actually remnants of bone that have not burned during cremation. After cremation, the remaining skeleton is crushed into small particles that can vary in size, but usually resemble coarse sand or crushed seashells. These remains may vary in color from white to dark gray, and the exact shade can vary depending on factors such as the temperature of the cremation chamber, the duration of the process, and the composition of the individual's bones. Typically, higher temperatures and longer durations result in whiter or light gray remains, while lower temperatures and shorter durations can produce darker gray or even bluish hues.
Is it considered a sin to scatter ashes?
Educational Resources > Religious Views on Cremation, Educational Resources > Scattering Ashes
Answer:
For members of Christianity, scattering ashes is considered a sin. The Church believes that while cremation is acceptable, a person's cremated remains must be kept together so that they may be successfully resurrected in the future. Non-Christian religions and agnostic & atheist households are not subject to this belief.
Is it considered a sin to scatter ashes?
Educational Resources > Religious Views on Cremation, Educational Resources > Scattering Ashes
Answer:
For members of Christianity, scattering ashes is considered a sin. The Church believes that while cremation is acceptable, a person's cremated remains must be kept together so that they may be successfully resurrected in the future. Non-Christian religions and agnostic & atheist households are not subject to this belief.
Answer:
When scattering ashes, be mindful of wind direction, and release the ashes at or near waist level. This helps avoid cremated remains blowing back into you or your guests' face(s). Take your time and release ashes slowly, both to prolong the moment and to avoid a large deposit of remains at once.
How do you know you get the right ashes after cremation?
Educational Resources > Collecting Ashes After a Cremation, Educational Resources > Understanding the Cremation Process
Answer:
When you receive the remains of your loved one, the bag of ashes will include a small metal disk with a number on it. This metal disk has been used to identify your loved one prior to cremation, with the number being a unique identification number, and has not left your loved one's side through the cremation process.
How do you know you get the right ashes after cremation?
Educational Resources > Collecting Ashes After a Cremation, Educational Resources > Understanding the Cremation Process
Answer:
When you receive the remains of your loved one, the bag of ashes will include a small metal disk with a number on it. This metal disk has been used to identify your loved one prior to cremation, with the number being a unique identification number, and has not left your loved one's side through the cremation process.
Answer:
If your husband (or spouse) has passed away, keeping your husband's ashes at home is a respectful way to honor your spouse's memory and keep him close to you. You may wish to consider the preferences of other family members, and split the ashes if there are multiple people who would like to keep a portion of ashes.
Answer:
The Transportation Security Administration does not require paperwork for cremated remains, but your specific airline may request copies of existing paperwork or ask you to fill out their own paperwork. In any case, it's recommended to bring a death certificate or certificate of cremation with your loved one's ashes when you are traveling by plane. Make sure you are familiar with the protocol for your airline and have prepared any necessary documents beforehand to ensure a hassle-free flight.
