Make a circle on the ground Scatter the ashes into a circle in your garden or a local park, then ask friends and family members to step into the circle and say a few words about your loved one. You can then rake the ashes to spread them out across the earth.
Is it OK to split the ashes of a loved one?
Your loved one’s ashes don’t have to stay together either. Families can choose to split the ashes of the deceased among the wider family, where the individual families can choose what they want to do with them.
What to say when you are scattering ashes?
Here are some notable quotes that you can mention during the scattering of ashes:
- “To us, the ashes of our ancestors are sacred.
- “Lives are like rivers: Eventually they go where they must.
- “Every man’s life ends the same way.
- “Ashes to Ashes”
- “She’s in the Sun, the Wind, the Rain”
- “A Psalm of Life”
What does the Bible say about scattering ashes?
Ash Scattering References in the Bible
In the Bible, there are no passages that prohibit or encourage cremation and scattering of ashes. However, many Christian sects believe a burial funeral aligns with best end-of-life practices. As a result, some Christian clerics may discourage cremation or prohibit it entirely.
Where is the best place to spread ashes?
Here are 10 popular options for scattering ashes that may guide you in your decision-making process.
- In the ocean. Beaches and oceans are magical places that are special to many people.
- In the mountains.
- In the air.
- In a memorial forest.
- In space.
- In the garden.
- At a favorite vacation spot.
- In glass keepsakes.
How long after death do ashes spread?
The cremation itself takes about three to four hours, with another one to two hours for processing. Once a body is cremated, it typically takes seven to ten days to return the ashes to the family.
How long do cremated ashes last?
How Long Do Cremated Ashes Last? Since cremation ashes are mostly made up of bone, and bones are not degradable, the ashes can last as long as a person wants them to. The typical packaging that ashes arrive in after the cremains are sent to a loved one is both air and water-tight.
Do you scatter ashes with your hands?
Use the vessel or your hands to scatter the ashes. Many people also wonder, “How do you scatter ashes?” Most often you can use the vessel that houses the ashes to toss them into the air. If you are comfortable handling the ashes yourself, you may also reach in with your hands to throw them.
Why do people throw ashes in the water?
The most obvious symbolic meaning represented by scattering ashes is letting go. As you release the ashes into the water or over the earth, you are literally letting go of your loved one. This can be an important step in your grieving process.
Is scattering ashes emotional?
Scattering a loved one’s ashes is often the final way to say goodbye. It can be a very confusing and emotionally distressing time, so finding support from those around you is essential.
Does your soul go to heaven if you are cremated?
No matter what a person’s preference is, from the Christian perspective, cremation does not prevent one from going to Heaven. So there’s no need to worry, if God can create life from dust, surely he can restore life from ashes.
Is it wrong to keep ashes at home?
Is it OK to Keep Cremains at Home? There’s nothing bad about keeping cremated remains at home. Even though the practice is legal, those from specific faith communities may object to the practice. Some religious faiths, such as followers of Islam, Eastern Orthodox, and some Jewish sects forbid cremation.
How does God feel about cremation?
“The Church raises no doctrinal objections to this practice, since cremation of the deceased’s body does not affect his or her soul, nor does it prevent God, in his omnipotence, from raising up the deceased body to new life.”
Where are you not allowed to scatter ashes?
To scatter ashes over public of private land, you need to request permission from the landowner. This includes parks, beaches, and churchyards. You don’t need permission to scatter ashes over a river or at sea, but you should get advice from the environmental agency first.
Do human ashes float or sink?
Loved ones may place flowers, petals or floating candles into the water alongside the remains as a tribute. These will float on top of the water while the ashes sink below the surface.
Where can you not scatter ashes?
Auckland’s regional parks, the Auckland Botanic Gardens in Manurewa and Parnell Rose Gardens have prohibited the scattering of ashes in their parks and gardens. Ash scattering is also discouraged in local parks and on sports fields, where visitors picnic, exercise and relax.
Is it disrespectful to open an urn?
As a general rule, it is disrespectful to open an urn contrary to the decedent’s wishes or beliefs, or for your own curiosity or benefit. You can be confident that you are treating your loved one with proper respect if you are opening the urn to follow their instructions (for scattering, etc) or to honor their memory.
How many bodies are cremated at once?
one body
Only one body can be cremated at once, and all cremated remains must be cleared from the cremation chamber before another cremation can begin. These standards do mean that you may have little input into any ‘customization’ of a cremation process.
What happens to ashes once scattered?
Raking Ash Scattering Services
Often ashes are raked into flower gardens or on the topsoil in forests or other natural locales such as a national park. If raking ashes into the soil, be sure to get permission of the landowner first.
Who Cannot be cremated?
Sometimes there are objects within the body that can and should be removed before cremating.
- Medical Devices. Certain medical devices, like a pacemaker, must be removed before a cremation can be performed.
- Implants. A wide range of medical implants are used these days.
- Rods, Pins and Plates.
- Gold or Silver Teeth.
Why do they cover the legs in a casket?
It is a common practice to cover the legs as there is swelling in the feet and shoes don’t fit. As part of funeral care, the body is dressed and preserved, with the prime focus on the face. Post embalming, bodies are often placed without shoes; hence covering the legs is the way to offer a dignified funeral.