What is Cremation?
Cremation is the process of reducing the body to bone fragments through the
application of intense heat. This usually takes from two to three hours and
occurs in a special type of furnace known as a cremation chamber or retort. The
remaining fragments are then processed into a finer substance and placed in a
temporary container. Before the remains are returned to the family, they are
usually transferred to an urn for permanent containment.
Cremation is often considered to be an inexpensive,
less complicated substitute for the "traditional" funeral. Many people
also believe that at the time of death, only two basic choices exist: immediate
cremation of the body; or a complete funeral including viewing followed by
burial.
Actually, for those who prefer cremation, several
options are available -- perhaps even more options than with burial.
Cremation and burial are both defined as "modes of
disposition," or methods of caring for the body, and as such, are just one
part of a funeral. Also, the term "traditional," when applied to
funerals, simply refers to an accepted trend of choices from the past.
As times change, trends change too. Today, many
opportunities exist for meaningful services for the benefit of family and
friends -- both before and after cremation takes place.
The Funeral Service and Cremation
Just like burial, cremation can occur after a funeral
where the casket is present at one's place of worship or a funeral chapel. The
only real difference between a funeral followed by burial and one followed by
cremation is that the body is taken to the crematory after the service in lieu
of a procession to the cemetery.
As is customary, the funeral may be preceded by a
period of visitation or a reception at the funeral home. During this time and
before the service, the casket may be open or closed, according to the
preferences of the survivors. Instead of a public visitation, some families opt
to receive friends at their residence or other location, which is a matter of
personal choice.
Following the funeral, the body is cremated in the
casket or placed in a special cremation container if a rental casket was
selected. After cremation, a public or private service may be arranged for the
final placement of the cremated remains.
The Memorial Service and Cremation
A memorial service, like a funeral, is a service of
remembrance, but without the body present. It may be held at a place of worship,
the funeral chapel or any other appropriate location. Regardless of the site,
your funeral director will assist in planning and organizing the service, and
will provide the necessary staff to direct the service.
The urn may be present for the memorial service, as the
casket would be for a funeral. It is usually placed on a stand and attractively
arranged with flowers. Sometimes a photograph of the person or a piece of
meaningful memorabilia is displayed at the service or during the reception
period.
Depending on where the death occurred, state or provincial
laws may require that a specific "waiting period" elapse before
cremation can occur. When scheduling the memorial service, therefore, care
should be taken to accommodate these requirements, to ensure that the cremated
remains can be present at the service, if that is the preference of the family.
Your funeral director can advise you on the regulations in effect in your area.
The family may hold a visitation or reception at the
funeral home/mortuary with or without the presence of the body. Frequently, the
body will be in the casket during this time for viewing, and then cremated
before the memorial service. If cremation is t take place immediately following
death, it is often possible to arrange a brief private time for the family to
see the body prior to the memorial service. For many people, this has important
psychological value, allowing them a time to "say good-bye."
Direct Cremation
An immediate or direct cremation is limited to the
prompt cremation of the body following death, with no formal funeral or memorial
services. Some funeral firms will require a family member or authorized party to
at least verify the identity of the deceased before cremation. In some
jurisdictions, this is legally required as well.
Your funeral director will assist in arranging this
kind of service, providing personal attention and professional treatment.
Other Service Options
While these descriptions cover the general types of
cremation services, your choices are not required to fit exactly into any
particular category. There are literally "options within options"
available to provide a meaningful service, and Selected Independent Funeral
Homes funeral directors are
dedicated to responding with openness and flexibility to the needs of each
person or family they serve. They are fully equipped with facilities and
personnel to accommodate special requests and offer a wide range of services and
merchandise.
Pre-Arranging the Cremation Service
Pre-arrangement is a thoughtful method of funeral
planning that is growing in popularity every year. Some people do this with the
sincere desire to avoid being a burden on their families. Others like the idea
of "having taken care of everything," and yet others may have no one
else who can make arrangements for them.
Pre-arrangement is also a wise choice when considering
cremation. When death occurs, it is the next of kin who assumes primary
responsibility for the disposition.
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