Cremation is still mysterious even for around more than 5,000 years. Most people never look behind the scenes, and there are those who feel anxious about the process. Understanding it is not very difficult.
Simply put cremation reduces the body to its most basic elements. It loses by exposing it to flames, heat, and evaporation in a specially designed oven called a cremation chamber.
STEPS OF CREMATION:-
Cremation consists of the following steps:
- The loved one is identified, usually by a relative, who authorizes the cremation. I can vary from state to state but typically involves paperwork having information like who will be going to receive the remains of cremation and about the type of container going to be used.
- The loved one is usually bathed and dressed before being identified. If the family wants a wake before cremation, the loved one can be embalmed. In most states, the loved ones may be placed in a box or container before cremation, usually in rigid cardboard or in a wooden casket.
- The container with the body is transferred to the cremation chamber, a specially designed oven that runs on natural gas.Strict air quality and environmental standards are followed by cremators.
Only one individual is placed in the cremation chamber at a time. - What remains after cremation, commonly known as ashes, are small pieces of bone. Once cool, the metal (from dental fillings, plates or implants, jewelry, or coffin nails) is removed and the remaining solid materials are ground to coarse sand.
- The cremated remains of the loved one are then delivered to the family in a container of their choice.
Why do people choose cremation?
There are many reasons why people choose cremation, either for themselves or for their loved ones. These reasons can range from religious considerations to personal preferences.
Families choose cremation due to the following reasons.
Flexible memorial options: Traditional burial does not allow but cremation does. When you choose cremation, you have all the time you need to plan a funeral, memorial, or celebration of life. You can have viewing for close family and friends before the cremation, and then organize a larger memorial service or dispersal service weeks or months later for friends and family who need to make travel plans and take time off from work. That is especially beneficial for those who live in different parts of the country or the world.
Personalization: Cremation allows for almost infinite personalization and creativity. Families have many special options for commemorating a loved one. The cremated remains can be placed on an ocean reef or incorporated into jewelry or art. They can be pressed onto vinyl records, turned into fireworks, placed in a mausoleum niche, scattered from the top of a mountain, and even launched into space.
Lower cost: Cremation may cost less than a traditional burial. Simple cremation is the least expensive type of cremation and can cost thousands of dollars less than a traditional burial with a funeral. A cremation with some type of service can cost a few hundred dollars less, since you can opt for a casket or cemetery plot, for example.
Environmental concerns: cremation is more environmentally friendly than burial because it preserves the space used for burial.
No religious affiliation: More Americans than ever say they are not affiliated with a particular religion. Since many funeral and burial traditions are rooted in religious beliefs, many people choose cremation as a way to create a new tradition.
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How much does cremation cost in 2021?
Although cremation is relatively straightforward, there are a number of factors that contribute to its cost. You may choose to hold a wake prior to cremation, which typically involves embalming, and a casket for observation. Or you can skip the wake and have a celebration of life after cremation. Or you can have both.
Some families have cremated remains buried in a cemetery.
In the United States, the average cost of cremation in 2020 is around $ 6,645, including the casket and cremation urn.
What do the components and fees of the cremation cost?
the factors that determine the cost of cremation are:-
- Attention to details, such as chain of custody and the level of personal care that goes with cremation
- If the crematorium is owned by the cremation provider
- Cremation provider location
- The distance traveled to pick up and transport your loved one
- Local regulatory requirements
- Planning the time for a viewing or memorial service
- Facilities for a viewing or memorial service
- Containers used for viewing and service (if desired)
A funeral home with its own crematorium may charge more for cremation services, but knowing who is caring for your loved one at all times can be worth it
What is the difference between cremation and simple or direct cremation?
When you opt for a simple cremation, you can skip ceremonial services, such as a wake or funeral. Although less expensive, this option can make family and friends feel as if they didn’t have a chance to say one last goodbye, which can be an important part of grieving and healing after a loss. Because of this, more and more families are choosing to have some type of service in conjunction with cremation to commemorate the end of life, honor their loved one, and provide comfort for those left behind.
If you are interested in learning more about cremation for yourself or your loved one, one of our compassionate planners can guide you through every step of the process, including caring for and preparing a loved one (which may depend on religious requirements and type of chosen service), creating a unique memorial or funeral that reflects your or your loved one’s special life, choosing a permanent placement option, and selecting family keepsakes.
Cremation preparation and process
When you choose cremation, you may also choose to have a pre-funeral visitation or a post-cremation memorial service — or neither. This option can be a deciding factor in how your loved one’s body is prepared for cremation — and it can also contribute to the cost of cremation. Observation before cremation generally means that the body must be embalmed.
When it comes to the cremation itself, some families choose a simple cremation, which is done in private without a witness. Some families want to witness and even participate in cremation, and some religious groups include observing cremation as part of their funeral customs. Not all funeral homes or crematoriums are able to offer observational cremation, so if this is important to you, be sure to check it out early in the planning process.
Cremation Urns and Containers
The options for cremation urns and other containers for cremated remains are many, and they vary in supplier and cost. Urns range from plain to ornate and come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and materials. Durable materials include wood, stone, resin, metal, and leather. Eco-conscious options include sand, salt, paper, and water-soluble plastic, which biodegrade within minutes, hours, or days after a water burial. There are also vessels that can be used in a scattering ceremony.
What are the advantages of cremation?
In addition to knowing that it represents the most convenient cremation in these times, you should know other advantages that this alternative has:
Contrary to what many think, cremation is a low-cost procedure.
It is a quick process, it takes between 3 and 4 hours approximately.
The remains or ashes can be kept by the family, buried or scattered somewhere.
The act of cremation represents a less polluting act for the atmosphere compared to burial.
