FAQ

What is Cremation?

Cremation is the process by which a body is exposed to extreme heat, usually 1800 – 2000 degrees Fahrenheit for two hours or more. Through this process the body is reduced to its basic elements, which are referred to as the “cremated body” or “cremated remains”. Cremation occurs at a crematorium in a special kind of furnace called a cremation chamber or retort. It may surprise many to learn that ashes are not the final result since cremated remains have neither the appearance nor the chemical properties of ashes. They are, in fact, bone fragments. These fragments are further reduced in size through a mechanical process. After preparation, these elements are placed in a temporary container that is suitable for transport. Depending upon the size of the body, there are normally three to nine pounds of fragments resulting.

Are there any religions that do not approve of cremation?

Orthodox Judaism and Islam forbid cremation. Today, all of the Christian denominations allow cremation. All other main religions support members decisions are happy for their members to choose to be cremated. (The Catholic Church accepts cremation as long as it is not chosen for reasons which are contrary to Christian teachings.)

Everyone in my family has always been buried, but I want to be cremated. What options do I have?

The choice between burial and cremation is a highly personal decision. The decisions you make truly do depend on the manner in which you choose to recognize the life that has been lived.

Does cremation contribute to atmospheric pollution?

The 1990 Environmental Protection Act placed certain responsibilities on crematoria to ensure that the process is carefully controlled to minimize the impact on the environment.

How can one be certain that all remains are kept separate, and receive the correct remains?

All responsible cremation providers have thorough operating policies and procedures in order to provide the highest level of service and reduce the possibility of human error. If you have questions, ask the cremation providers what procedures they use.

Is a casket required for a cremation to take place?

A casket is not required for a cremation to take place. Most state requires an alternative container in most states. The construction can be made of wood, cardboard or fiber Board, which is cremated with the body. In some states, no container is required.

Can I Rent A Casket?

Yes. We offer either a beautifully crafted, ceremonial oak or cherry rental casket for cremation. These caskets are available for the viewing and/or ceremony identification viewing. The rental caskets have been designed to be aesthetically appealing, affordable, and environmentally friendly.

How Does The Rental Casket Work?

The ceremonial oak or cherry rental casket is first prepared by inserting a sturdy, fully lined corrugated insert into the outer hardwood shell. The casket is then utilized for the viewing and/or ceremony. Afterward, the interior fabric is neatly folded in, and a matching corrugated / Fiber Board lid is placed on top of the insert container. The hinged end panel of the casket is then lowered and the insert container is gently removed from the outer shell. The container is then placed into the cremation chamber for cremation.

Is it required for an embalming to take place prior to cremation?

This is completely untrue. It is against the law for a funeral home to tell you it is required.

Can a cremation be witnessed by the family?

Yes, in most situations, the cremation providers will permit family members to be in attendances when the body is placed into the cremation chamber. A few religious groups include this as part of their funeral practice.

What options are available with the cremated remains?

There are countless options and laws do vary from state to state. Some options include remains being buried in a cemetery lot or cremation garden, burned in a columbarium, kept at home, or scattered into the sea.

What usually happens after the cremation is finished?

All organic bone fragments and all non-consumed metal items are placed into a stainless steel cooling pan located in the back of the cremation chamber. All non-consumed items, such as metal from clothing, hip joints, and bridgework, are divided from the cremated remains. This separation is accomplished through visual inspection as well as using a strong magnet for smaller and minute metallic objects. Items such as dental gold and silver are non-recoverable and are commingled in with the cremated remains. Remaining bone fragments are then processed in a machine to a consistent size and placed into a temporary or permanent urn, selected by the family.

Can more than one cremation be performed at once?

It is never done. Not only is it a practical impossibility, but illegal to do so. The majority of modern cremation chambers are not of adequate size to house more than one adult.

What do cremated remains look like?

Cremated remains bear a resemblance to coarse sand and are pasty white in color. The remains of a normal size adult usually weigh between four to six pounds.

Are all cremated remains returned to the family?

With the exclusion of minuscule and microscopic particles, which are impossible to remove from the cremation chamber and processing machine, all of the cremated remains are returned to the family.

Are urns required to collect the cremated remains?

Law does not require an urn. Nevertheless, an urn may be desired if there is to be a memorial service or the remains are to be interred in a cemetery. If an urn is not purchased, or provided by the family, the cremated remains are usually returned in a temporary container.

How is cremation ashes disposed?

Through memorialization we remember our loved ones and provide a place of pilgrimage that can be very important to a family later in life. It is a means by which generations are connected. What most people do with cremated remains is a matter of personal choice. Hindus, for whom cremation is the typical form of disposal, place them in urns or put them in a river, preferably the sacred Ganges.

What is done on the 13th day after the body is cremated?

Sraddha (Pitr-Paksha) Shraddha & Tarpan / Pitr-Paksha

Most of the communities have some sort of ritual being performed after a fixed number of days of death. It is called by several names like “Sraddha”, Balikanna, and Pindam etc. The objective and rationale behind this is simple. It is normally observed that every night the brain does a de-fragging process where unwanted memories are sent to the vault and the needed ones re- kindled. The death of a dear one brings sorrow and agony to others and every night these dear thoughts are de fragged and the agony minimized. By the 15 day, it reaches a tolerable memory level and by about 45 days it becomes an acceptable reality. In one of these days you do the rituals of satisfying the deceased soul and gives an auto suggestion that the deceased is satisfied and has received its righteous position in heaven!! It brings back the normal sell of the persons living.