What is Cremation?

Cremation is a technical heating process, which reduces the human body to its basic elements primarily bone fragments and particles, collectively referred to as "cremated remains".

The cremation process begins with the placement of the casket or container into the cremation chamber where it is subjected to intense heat and flame.  The time it takes to complete a cremation varies with the size and weight of the deceased, but usually takes between two and three hours. This is followed by a cooling period of three to four hours. The basic elements remaining after cremation also depend upon the dimensions of the deceased, but generally weigh between four and eight pounds.  The bone fragments may be further reduced by mechanical means to uniform particles for placement in an urn or similar sturdy container.

Authorization to Cremate

When an individual or family chooses cremation, certain documentation must be completed. These documents protect the crematory from liability and make clear to everyone involved the various aspects of the cremation process.

Before cremation can take place approval must be granted by the chief medical examiner or coroner. A Certificate of Approval, issued by the medical examiner or coroner is usually obtained by the funeral home.

A form authorizing the funeral home or crematory to cremate the deceased must also be completed and signed, in the presence of the funeral director, by the next-of-kin or deceased's legal representative. Both the Certificate of Approval and Authorization to Cremate forms are extremely important legal documents, and funeral directors should take care to ensure that they are fully understood by the surviving family members.

Cremation Options

Choosing cremation does not limit the type of funeral service one might select for themselves or a loved one. In fact, cremation affords greater options.

A Traditional Funeral with Cremation

As cremation is just one method of preparing the deceased for committal and final disposition, a cremation service need not differ from that of a traditional funeral service. Cremation does not prevent family, relatives and friends from participating in the ceremonies and services common to a traditional service. This includes the preparation and placement of the deceased in a casket for viewing.

Some families who opt to cremate their deceased loved ones have expressed a reluctance to destroy a beautiful casket. For those who would prefer not to select a traditional casket with its intricate design and ornamentation, when choosing cremation, there are other product options from which to choose.

Cremation Caskets

Cremation caskets are simpler in design and are constructed specifically for cremation. In fact, some manufactures actually refer to them as "environmentally friendly" as they are made primarily of wood with little or no metal components. As a result they are typically less expensive than traditional caskets yet crafted with the same quality.

Rental Caskets

Instead of purchasing a casket some funeral homes offer rental caskets. They look similar to a traditional casket.

After visitation or a church or chapel service, the deceased is removed from the rental casket and placed in a cremation container. This is a rigid wooden, or cardboard container with cover designed specifically for direct cremation.

Alternate Containers

Typically alternative containers are constructed of plywood, pressboard or cardboard but are not designed to accommodate viewing. As earlier noted they are often referred to as cremation containers used specifically for direct or immediate cremation.

Immediate Cremation

Immediate or direct cremation is cremation without any preparation, viewing, events or ceremonies. It is simply the removal of the deceased from the place of death, placement of the remains in a cremation container followed by the commencement of the cremation process.

Cremation is not final disposition. After the process there is still an opportunity for the family to participate in a meaningful and personalized funeral service.

Visitation with Urn

This service includes a scheduled time for friends and relatives to visit the family at the funeral home to show their support and pay their respects to the deceased. Instead of seeing the remains in a casket, however, an urn containing the deceased's cremated remains is present. Placed on a small table, the urn may be accompanied with a floral tribute and picture.

Other family photos or mementoes can also be displayed throughout the room. These displays may reflect the deceased's life, occupation or interests.

Some families choose to have visitation without the urn present while others prefer private visitation for family members and close friends.

Memorial Service

A memorial service is generally understood to be a service held in a funeral home chapel or church without the remains present. It may be religious or if the deceased did not profess a specific religious belief, secular. If friends or relatives are located in a different part of the country and are unable to travel to one location, more than one memorial service may be held. Also, it is not uncommon to have a memorial service with the urn present. Again, the urn with flowers is displayed on a table in front of the chancel steps. It is then removed at the end of the service by the funeral director either, formally in the presence of the congregation or informally after the church has emptied.

When a memorial service is held without a period of visitation some funeral homes provide a guest book at the back of the church or chapel to record the signatures of those in attendance. The book is then given to the family.

There are also many options available for the interment or final disposition of the cremated remains. These include:

Interring the Urn in a Family Plot

Even when there is no longer room for a casket interment, an existing family plot can accommodate the interment of several urns. The number, which can be accommodated will usually depend on the size of existing monuments or markers. A standard urn plot measures 2'x2'x2'. Therefore, a single grave should be able to accommodate a minimum of three urns.

Urn Plots

For those who prefer traditional in-ground interment of cremated remains, but do not have or wish to use a family plot, many cemeteries have urn plots or areas set aside for this purpose.

Scattering of Cremated Remains

The scattering of cremated remains is permitted in Newfoundland & Labrador and although there is no specific legislation in the province governing this practice it is assumed that permission of the landowner should first be sought if scattering is desired on private property. Permission is not required to scatter cremated remains on crown land.

In most parts of Canada cremated remains may be scattered in cemetery gardens or memorial scattering areas especially created and dedicated for this purpose. The use of dedicated property assures the site chosen will not be developed for other purposes at some future time.

Memorial scattering areas range from natural settings to formal gardens. Often, the individuals whose cremated remains have been scattered in such an area are identified on a special memorial plaque, or a unique garden feature such as a sculpture on which the individual's name is inscribed.