At this temperature, you are able to get rid of all those pesky organic com pounds that just get in the way of tidy remains. These temperatures are reached by the use of propane or natural gas — a fair amount of it. Dumping a bunch of fuel in a brick box and blowing hurricane force winds through it creates a lot of heat.
Alright, there might be a bit of hyperbole here, but you get the idea. When complete, the bones are allowed to cool to a temperature that they can be handled and are placed into a processing machine. It looks like a mean margarita blender, and they are processed down to the consistency of ash, where they get their misnomer name. Only one at a time, please.
For some reason, people seem to think that funeral homes have a desire to pile in a heap of bodies into a cremation chamber so that they can get it all done and head home to sip some kind of embalming fluid cocktail while plotting more novel yet disgusting money saving ideas.
The reality is that the law only allows one body in the chamber at a time. The only exception to this is if the family specifically requests that two people be cremated together. Cremation is fast. Just go watch your teapot. Despite how long the practice has been around some 2, years!
Understanding how it works can help ease the anxiety that many people feel about the cremation process. The process takes about hours to complete.
Along the way, the crematory will take care to make sure that:. Many facilities allow the family of the deceased to witness the cremation. Space is often limited, so it is best to check with the cremation facility to find out how many people can attend. Cremation reduces the body to its essential elements through a process that exposes it to open flames, intense heat, and evaporation. This takes place in a specially designed furnace called a cremation chamber or retort. Many crematories require a container for the body, such as a casket appropriate for cremation or a rigid cardboard container.
Cremation produces 3 to 9 pounds of remains. The exact amount depends on the size of the body and the process used by the crematory. The first step is to make sure that they have permission to take care of the cremation. Identification regulations vary by state. In most cases, you complete paperwork that provides the crematory with your authorization. The form will also ask for information such as who will pick up the remains and what type of container to use.
The facility you use defines the specific identification procedures based on industry recommendations. A typical identification procedure will include having a family member confirm the identity.
Next, a metal ID tag is placed on the body. This will remain throughout the process. Following the cremation, the identification tag is put with the remains. Usually, the body is bathed, cleaned, and dressed before identification. Sometimes a columbarium can also contain more than one container or some small possessions of the deceased. There are any number of locations to scatter ashes.
They can be common ones made of marble or brass. You can choose a biodegradable urn or tree urn , which are environmentally friendly options. For couples, companion urns allow for the ashes of both people. If you have unfortunately lost a child early, you may want a baby urn. They are either mixed into the materials used to make the jewelry or they can be inserted into it called Keepsakes.
Using some of the cremains and the specialized skill of an artist, a glass or silver memorial is created. Cremation glass art is a particularly popular option for creating paperweights, vases, orbs, and many other memorials.
Did you know that you can turn ashes into diamonds? These diamonds have become a very popular method for memorializing a loved one. Just like with human remains, you probably will want to do something with the remains of your pet.
If you need some information about cremating a pet , be sure to check out our dog cremation and cat cremation guides. For those looking for some inspiration on what to do, read our recent article about dog memorial ideas. You will be sure to find something that tickles your fancy. A dog headstone is also a wonderful way to always remember your little friend.
Some of our guides above for dogs can most certainly be used for cats as well. But if nothing seems to be perfect, you can check out our cat urns guide.
Spreading or otherwise known as scattering the remains is one of the most common send offs. Frequently, the main question is where you should scatter them. Below are only a few of the countless places to consider. Remember that some places may forbid scattering or you might have to obtain special permission. Ask the local authorities in advance. There are some guidelines to follow:. It has to be packaged in inner and outer sift-proof containers with ample padding so that the contents do not move around.
In addition, you should place a label with the identity of the contents on the outside of the box. The postal service has these available. The postal service also has all the instructions on their website or you can download them at their publication It should be packaged the same as with domestic, shipped First-Class Package International services, and use Registered Mail service.
Check the particular airline you will use for any specific policies regarding the transport of ashes as carry-on or as cargo. Some airlines require advance notice and may require documents such as a death certificate.
If traveling internationally, you might need export paperwork from your embassy. My husbands ashes were placed in a casket, inside a metal container six years ago in an agreed cemetery.. At that time I was happy that they were there. Is this possible, provided the casket is still intact, and are there formalities attached to doing this eg permissions other than family members of course, who are support of my desire to exhume the ashes.
S HTaylor. But why are one persons cremains a lighter color than anothers? Is it the body or the cremation process that causes one to be more white and another persons to be more dark grey?
Have been for 18 years. Have cremated hundreds of people. Usually around pounds, if that much. The volume of cremated remains varies with the temperature of the crematory. It is possible that there be very little cremains, next to nothing. In most instances the volume is about that which would fill a cigar box. Since all health hazard is eliminated with the cremation process there is not much regulation as to what can and can not be done with the ashes. That does, however, vary from state to state.
I have shipped many of them by way of US Postal Service to cemeteries or funeral homes in other states. I remember one time a man wanted his ashed to be spread on his favorite golf course. No law prohibited it, but the golf course was opposed to it. It happened anyhow, but the golf course was not informed. If you are near the Gulf or an ocean, there are flying services that will distribute the ashes over the ocean.
Cost for that is pretty steep, but it is available if that is the desire. Some cemeteries have a section that has available little grave spaces, usually about a square foot, that are for the placement of cremated remains.
The length of time between death and when the cremation takes place is determined by the state in which the death occurs. In Florida it is 48 hours minimum. That was initiated to give 48 hours for anyone to let it be known if they suspect a homicide.
The body does not have to be embalmed, in Florida, but it must be refrigerated for the 48 hour time period. Any other questions, call your local funeral director and ask.
That is what we do.
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