Cremation has become a popular alternative to burial in the United States. The practice is becoming more accepted, with some people even choosing to be cremated instead of having a traditional funeral service.
But how does cremation work? What happens during cremation? We'll take you through the details, so you know exactly what's happening with your loved one's body as they are transformed into ashes.
The first step in the process is embalming, which allows for the tissues and blood to be removed from the body (in preparation for wake or viewing). Embalmers inject toxic chemicals such as formaldehyde and phenol directly into the arteries and veins before draining them out through an incision made near the elbow or wrist using a special tool known as a trocar. This helps to preserve the body and give it a more lifelike appearance.
The body is then placed into the cremation chamber, which reaches temperatures of up to 1,800 degrees Fahrenheit. The intense heat will cause the body to break down all organic tissues, and between two to three hours, all that remains are the charred bone fragments, which are then ground into ashes using a special machine. Metal objects such as jewelry or screws used in medical procedures are magnetized and removed in the process, but any remaining fragments of bone are swept out of the chamber and into a collection container, this leaves behind fine grayish-white dust. Ashes are sometimes further reduced by pulverizing them, so they more closely resemble coarse sand or gravel.
The entire process usually takes around three hours, and once it's completed, the ashes are placed in an urn and given to the family or stored in a special area of the crematory if they wish to scatter them.
This is a question that doesn't have a definitive answer, as it can vary depending on how large the body is and how many people are working on the cremation process. However, the typical time it takes to cremate a body is around two hours. There are a few things that can affect how long it takes to cremate a body. For example, if the person was obese, it will take longer to burn their body than if they were thin.
Is the process of incinerating a body without any prior preparation. This type of cremation is usually chosen by those who want to avoid the traditional funeral process. The body is placed in a combustible container and burned in a furnace.
Is a dignified and meaningful process of final farewell to the deceased. However, how you cremate someone depends on how traditional service is defined in your state. Traditional services follow the same format as those performed for burials - family and friends gather, usually at a funeral home, and proceed to the chapel or rooms where cremations are conducted. The service includes readings and songs before and after the committal during which an urn containing his or her ashes is set on a table covered with flowers. A few may want some type of memorial service later, but most families accept this as their one chance to say goodbye to someone they've lost.
There are a few reasons why people might choose to cremate their loved ones. Cremation is seen as a more environmentally friendly option than traditional burial, and it can also be cheaper. Additionally, many people believe that cremation allows for a more personal send-off, as loved ones can keep the ashes of their loved one in an urn or scattered somewhere special.
The decision to cremate a loved one is a personal one, and there are no right or wrong answers. Some people may feel uncomfortable with the idea of cremation, while others find it to be a very peaceful way to say goodbye. Ultimately, it comes down to what feels best for the individual and their family.
Onsite crematories are usually found in funeral homes, while offsite crematories are usually located in cemeteries or other places away from the funeral home. Some people prefer an onsite crematory because they feel it is more convenient and allows them to witness the cremation process. Others prefer an offsite crematory because they believe it is more respectful to have the body cremated away from the home.
There are several options for the permanent placement of cremated remains. One option is to bury them in a cemetery. Another option is to place them in an urn and keep them in the home. Cremated remains can also be scattered in a favorite spot or buried at sea. There are also special places where cremated remains can be placed, such as a columbarium or a cemetery.
We encourage open dialog about all end-of-life issues, and sincerely hope you reach out to us to dig deeper into the topics related to cremation. Call us today at 904-765-1234 to ask a question or to set an appointment (either in your home or our office). We look forward to the conversation.