Understanding cremation misinformation

While more people than ever are familiar with cremation service, there are still many who do not understand the process and the options it offers. Cremation has been around for thousands of years, but for many families full body ground burial has long been their tradition. While both are perfectly respectful, if you plan on cremation you may find that many of your family members are not familiar with the process or the options. Below we explain some truths and myths surrounding cremation.

Cremation Means Fire Burns The Body

There’s nothing pleasant about picturing your loved one being burned, even if they have passed on. Cremation uses flame and high heat to reduce the body to dry and brittle bone fragments. The bone fragments are then mechanically processed to an even granular state. What we commonly refer to as ash is actually pulverized bone.

Having Cremation Means No Services

Some families choose direct cremation or immediate cremation which means there are no services or ceremonies prior to the cremation occurring.  This does not prevent you from having nay services before the cremation takes place, it just give you a variety of options.  Many families still choose to  hold a farewell viewing, gathering or other ceremony to say good-bye to their deceased loved one and provide closure. After the cremation you have a wide variety of options to hold any kind of service you want at a time and place which is purposeful for the mourning family. A service before the cremation usually means the body will be displayed in a casket prior to cremation. After a cremation the cremated remains or ashes are placed in an urn for the memorial service or celebration of life.

You Never Know Whose Remains You Are Getting Back

There are many checks and balances involved in the cremation process to ensure the cremated remains (ashes) you receive back are those of your loved one. It starts by selecting a reputable funeral home and making certain a family member identifies the deceased at the funeral home prior to cremation. Once securing cremation authorization and a cremation permit the funeral home delivers the deceased to the crematory. The paperwork is assigned a case number which matches a steel disc. The disc is attached to the cremation container and the paperwork is attached to the outside of the cremation retort. The disc remains with the ashes through the actual cremation and secondary processing of the bone ash and is then attached to the container holding the ashes until they are placed in an urn for burial or later scattering.

Religion Is Against Cremation

While there are a faith traditions that forbid cremation, ,many major religions allow cremation. If you are not certain if it is allowed, your funeral director or religious leader can explain the viewpoint different faith practices hold relating to cremation. Specifically Orthodox Christians, Orthodox and Conservative Judaism and the Islamic faith all forbid cremation for their adherents. The Roman Catholic Church allows cremation under certain circumstances.

When you want to know more about cremation services so you can share details with your family, the professionals at Hopler & Eschbach Funeral Home are here to answer your questions. Bring your family to us and we’ll help them see the truth about cremation no matter what they misinterpret now.