HOW DOES CREMATION PROCESS ACTUALLY WORK?

HOW DOES CREMATION PROCESS ACTUALLY WORK?

Understanding the Cremation Process

The history of cremation dates back to prehistoric times from at least 17,000 years ago. It is quite a traditional ritual carried out by the Indian and Jain cultures in South- Asia. Following this, with the advent of Bronze Age, European countries were introduced to this practice, as an imperative to the war conditions where the alien soldiers’ bodies were incinerated in the battlefield as a proof.

Even though burials continued on the side, the practice of cremation was considered a symbol of valour, masculinity and courage in military life. You can read about its mentions in literary epics such as Iliad where Hector’s body too was cremated royally. But nowadays, people have other motives to perform cremation. These range from the fact that burials are becoming increasingly expensive day-by-day while being harmful to the environment on the other hand. 

The next post will walk you through the entire process of cremation and explain how things work on the ground level.  

1. Identification of the deceased: 

    Upon the unfortunate demise of a loved one, the very first step is an examination conducted by the doctor when he/she confirms the time and cause of the death. Then, comes the identification and signing of a death certificate for which guidelines can vary from one state to another. Following that, a metal Id tag will be attached to the body to carry out the process further.

     2. Cremation preparation:

    After completing paperwork with the cremation facility, the family of the dead must select the appropriate cremation container. If a funeral or cremation service is planned, the body must be embalmed and dressed for presentation at the ceremony. The final cremation can take place after that.

    3. Moving to the cremation chamber and finalising the ashes: 

    The body is transferred in a casket to the retort and incinerated with the right temperature and pressure. All excess jewellery, watches or any other goods are removed. Finally, once the process is over, the ashes are let to cool. Following that, they will be returned to the family in a well-sealed container for use in memorial service or for maintaining as keepsakes

    How does the cremation service carry out? 

    At the crematorium, the mourners arrive and wait for the coffin to be presented in the casket. The platform where the casket will be put is raised slightly and decorated with flowers and candles for everyone to see. Music and memories will be shared with common family and friends. Typically, the cremation service lasts half an hour before the body is taken for final cremation away from the gaze of mourners. Finally, refreshments are arranged. The ceremony concludes with the mourners' final condolences to the deceased's family.

    What can you place in the casket for cremation? 

    During cremation, it is advisable not to put any metallic items in the casket since they cannot be transformed into ashes. Wearables such as watches, pendants, metallic rings and footwear are removed keeping with the same intention. 

    One can retain some of the easily perishable items such as wooden boxes, books, degradable gifts and even flowers or photographs of their closed ones. 

    What happens to the ashes following cremation? 

    Cremated bones or ashes are returned to those who were closest to the deceased. Packed in a temporary container, they are solely responsible for subsequent handling. The ashes might then be scattered in water or retained at the crematorium for preservation. This must be done for the family if they wish to leave a legacy for their future generations. 

    If you don't move out frequently, you can bury the ashes somewhere close to your home, such as the back garden. 

    Do we have to embalm the body before cremation? 

    Not exactly. We embalm the body to prevent sudden decomposition since it takes time to plan a funeral service and by then, the body must be properly presented and clothed for the mourners to see. Hence, if you are not organising any cremation or funeral service, then embalming is unnecessary. 

    What is known as green cremation?  

    Green cremation is the process of cremating the deceased in an environmentally friendly manner. For example, avoiding fossil fuels, minimising carbon footprint, and eliminating the release of mercury emissions. This can be accomplished by the technique of alkaline hydrolysis. Many conscious individuals nowadays prefer this alternative for the same reasons. However, given this is a new field of employment, one should check to see if their state offers the facilities.

    ALSO READ:

    What to Do with Ashes After Cremation | 10 Meaningful Ideas

    How Do I Choose The Right Size Of A Cremation Urn?

    Why More Families Are Choosing Cremation Over Burial

    HOW TO FILL A CREMATION URN | Step - By - Step Guide

    Guide To Choose Your Next Step : Pet Cremation Or Burial

     

    Back to blog