4 WAYS OF HANDLING A LOVED ONE’S ASHES AFTER CREMATION
It's no secret that our time in this world is limited. Because of this, we're encouraged to live life to the fullest. Once our time is up, we'll burden our loved ones for the last time through a funeral service where they celebrate our life and death. While burials are prevalent, more and more people are choosing cremation because it's less expensive and time-consuming.
However, with cremation comes the question: what should be done to a deceased loved one's ashes? Since ashes are the last remains of a dead person, their loved ones must handle them with care and respect. Usually, people have different options, such as:
#1 - Hold a Memorial Service with the Ashes Present
For many people, it's crucial to have a place to remember the deceased. That's why many people usually choose to hold a memorial service with the ashes present. For example, their ashes can be placed inside a beautiful urn in the service room or a chapel.
Memorial services held this way usually proceed the same way as standard coffin funerals do. Still, after the memorial service, the ashes are taken back to the deceased's home for family members to handle. At that point, the family usually store the ashes in a personal place in their home where they can never forget and honour their loved ones.
#2 - Scattering Ashes
For most people, scattering a loved one's ashes is the ultimate way to say goodbye. After the initial funeral service, the ashes can be placed in a vessel and transported to where the ashes should be scattered.
The most common spot to scatter ashes is at sea, as they can be sent out to the open water, where currents carry them away. However, you can also scatter ashes in fields, mountains, gardens, or under beloved trees. It’s also worth noting that you shouldnotify the appropriate authorities since different locations have different laws regarding scattering ashes.
#3 - Interment
For families who can't rest easy knowing that their loved one's ashes aren't interred, it's also an option. Interring a deceased person's ashes involves interring the ashes into a burial space, like a burial plot or mausoleum. This is usually a costly way to handle a loved one's ashes since it takes away a lot of room to store them, but it's also a great way to show respect to the deceased.
#4 - Mix the Ashes with Another Object
While it may seem disrespectful to mix a deceased person's ashes with another object, it can be an option, especially if it's an explicit wish made by them before passing. This is one way to honour a person's last wish since they can always be with you, even after death.
For example, ashes can be mixed with concrete to create a unique stone you can use to build your home. This makes the perfect way to honour them because they will always be with you throughout your home. Alternatively, you can mould the ashes into a unique piece of jewellery, like a ring or bracelet, as a personal and unique reminder of a loved one who's passed.
#5 - Keep Them at Home
If all else fails, you can simply keep your loved one's ashes in your home. It's a cheap and accessible way to honour them without the hassle of having to transport them somewhere far away.
However, you must be careful if you choose this option since you will have to ensure their ashes are appropriately stored. Establishing a personal space in your home is also vital since the ashes must be stored comfortably without exposing them to harm.
Conclusion
A deceased loved one's ashes symbolise the last remains of a person. It's essential to ensure that you handle it with care and respect, especially since it may be the only thing that might remind you of them. You can take care of their ashes however you see fit if you treat them with care and respect.
Holmes Funerals provides top-quality services for direct cremation in Farnborough. We understand how important a deceased loved one is, so we’re here to ensure they get the send-off they deserve at affordable prices. Call 01252 628 600 today and allow us to assist you!
