Exploring the Journey of Cremation
Cremation has been embraced by cultures worldwide for over 2,000 years, yet for many, it remains shrouded in mystery. As Australians increasingly choose cremation over traditional burials, understanding the intricacies of the process can provide peace of mind and clarity for families making these important decisions. At Bethel Funerals, we offer transparent, compassionate guidance, demystifying the cremation journey from start to finish.
Firstly, what is cremation?
Cremation is a method of disposition in which the body is reduced to its basic chemical compounds of gases, ashes, and mineral fragments through an incineration process in an industrial furnace known as a cremation chamber. The cremated remains, or ashes, are given to the deceased’s family, who may choose to scatter them, house them in an urn, or place them at a memorial site.
In recent years, cremation has risen in popularity due to it being seen as a more affordable option, compared to a traditional burial. There are many other reasons for selecting cremation as the burial option, which we explore below.
Why Cremation? The Appeal of a Modern Tradition
Cremation has become the preferred choice for many Australians, with over 62% opting for this method. Various factors contribute to its popularity:
Affordability: Cremation tends to be more cost-effective than traditional burial, often thousands cheaper, making it an appealing choice for families.
Environmental Considerations: It uses less land and conserves resources, aligning with eco-conscious values.
Flexibility and Personalisation: Cremation offers flexibility in planning memorials and allows more time to create personalised ceremonies that celebrate life.
Cultural and Religious Acceptance: Its widespread acceptance reflects evolving attitudes about death and remembrance, accommodating diverse spiritual beliefs.
Unveiling the Cremation Process: Step-by-Step
Understanding what happens during the cremation process can provide relief and reassurance. Here’s a comprehensive breakdown of the steps involved:
Identification and Authorisation
Crematoriums have strict procedures in place to ensure your loved one’s remains are properly handled. Legal paperwork ensures that the crematorium receives authorisation and seeks to clarify questions like: who will handle the remains and what type of container to use. To respect the deceased’s identity, a nameplate stays with the individual throughout the process.
Preparation of the Deceased
Before cremation, the body undergoes preparation:
Cleaning and Dressing: Often, the body is washed and dressed in chosen attire.
Removal of Items: Jewelry or items the family wishes to keep are removed, as are pacemakers, to prevent reactions during cremation.
Placement in a Container: The body is placed in a fully combustible container, typically a coffin.
The Cremation Process
- The cremation process takes place in the retort, also known as the cremation chamber, where the transformation occurs:
Transfer to Chamber: The coffin is transferred into the chamber. Once inside, the temperature is elevated to between 800 and 1000 degrees Celsius.
Incineration: These high temperatures efficiently break down the bodily compounds, ensuring complete transformation within one to two hours.
As the process begins, the door to the furnace opens, and the coffin is swiftly placed inside. After sealing the chamber, the intense heat consumes all organic matter within a few hours. While most coffin handles are combustible and will be incinerated along with the body, metal handles are removed beforehand as they do not combust.
Post-Cremation Processing
- Following the cremation process, meticulous handling of the remains is essential:
Cooling Phase: The remains are allowed to cool naturally or with the assistance of fans.
Removal of Metals: Once cooled, the remains are thoroughly inspected for any metal remnants from medical devices or coffin components. These are carefully extracted by hand or with a large magnet.
Grinding of Remains: A special processor, known as a cremulator, then grinds the bone fragments into a fine powder, commonly referred to as ashes.
Transfer and Collection of Ashes
- Ultimately, the cremated remains, often called “ashes,” are carefully placed into a temporary container or an urn provided by the family. Despite being termed “ashes,” these are actually fragile calcified bone fragments. Proper documentation accompanies this process to ensure a respectful handover of the remains to the family.
Understanding the Outcome: What Do Cremation Ashes Look Like?
Cremation Timing and Expectations
The entire cremation process, from initiation to the collection of ashes, generally spans three to four hours. This timeframe includes the actual cremation, which averages about 90 minutes for an adult, as well as the necessary cooling and processing phases. Various factors, such as the body mass, bone density, and materials used in the coffin, can influence the duration. Typically, most facilities have the ashes ready for collection within 48 hours, though expedited services might be available for those who require them sooner.
After Cremation: Honoring and Memorialising Your Loved One
Memorialising a loved one after cremation is a deeply personal choice, imbued with meaning and reflection. At Bethel Funerals, we understand the importance of finding a tribute that resonates with your loved one’s spirit and personal story. Here are some thoughtful and heartfelt options to consider:
- Scattering Ashes: This traditional gesture carries profound significance, allowing you to scatter ashes in places that held special meaning to your loved one. Whether it’s a favourite beach, a beloved garden, or a scenic trail, these settings offer solace and can become cherished spots for remembrance.
- Memorial Gardens: Create a living tribute by incorporating ashes into a memorial garden. Planting a tree or nurturing a garden allows your loved one’s legacy to grow and flourish. These tranquil spaces provide a living, breathing homage and a place for reflection and connection.
- Artistic Tributes: Transform ashes into timeless keepsakes, such as jewellery, glass art, or other meaningful creations. These bespoke pieces allow you to carry a part of your loved one with you, offering a personal and tangible connection that endures over time.
- Personalised Urns: Selecting an urn that reflects your loved one’s personality can make a heartfelt statement. Custom urns featuring designs that celebrate their interests or passions can serve as a beautiful and lasting tribute.
- Memorial Ceremonies: Hosting a memorial ceremony brings family and friends together to honour and celebrate a loved one’s life. Personalise the gathering with stories, music, and rituals that capture the essence of their character, providing comfort and closure.
- Digital Memorials: Create an online tribute that allows distant family and friends to participate and share cherished memories. These digital spaces facilitate ongoing connection, hosting photos, videos, and stories that celebrate a life well-lived.
- Creative Keepsakes: Consider crafting or commissioning unique items that hold personal significance, such as framed photographs containing a small portion of ashes, or original artwork that incorporates them into a commemorative piece.
These options provide meaningful ways to honour and remember your loved one, ensuring their legacy lives on in a manner that is both personal and heartfelt. At Bethel Funerals, we are here to support you in finding the most fitting tribute, allowing you to cherish and celebrate their memory in a way that feels right for you and your family.
Commonly Asked Questions around the Cremation Process
Yes, some cremation facilities provide the option for families to observe the process through designated viewing areas. However, this opportunity must be arranged in advance to ensure privacy and respect for all involved.
Absolutely. Each cremation honours individuality and dignity, meaning that every coffin or casket is used exclusively for a single person and is never reused.
Cremation is generally considered more environmentally sustainable than traditional burial methods due to its reduced need for land and conserved natural resources. It aligns with eco-conscious values and lighter footprints.
The preparation process involves thoughtfully cleansing and dressing the deceased, with embalming performed if necessary. Any jewellery or clothing desired by family members is carefully removed and returned. Medical devices such as pacemakers, which could pose risks, are extracted. Screws and pins are left in place and later recycled responsibly.
Typically, cremations occur on the same day as the funeral service, though regulations allow for up to 48 hours later if needed. Until cremation, coffins are kept in a refrigerated area to ensure proper preservation.
The cremation process happens within a chamber, or retort, heated to a substantial 800 to 1000 degrees Celsius. This high heat ensures a complete breakdown into gases, ashes, and mineral fragments.
Indeed, the coffin accompanies the body into the cremation chamber. Components such as non-combustible metal handles are typically removed before the process begins.
Generally, cremated remains, or ashes, are prepared for family collection within 48 hours. Expedited services may be available, allowing for 24-hour readiness for an additional fee.
Ash remains, often heavier than expected, weighing between 1.3 to 4 kilograms, influenced by factors like the individual’s original body mass and the coffin’s materials.
Despite being referred to as “ashes,” the remains consist of finely ground calcified bone fragments. They appear pale to dark grey, similar in texture to coarse sand, rather than the soft, powdery texture of wood ash.
A Journey of Remembrance
When deciding if cremation is the appropriate burial choice for yourself or a family member you may also like to consider where the ashes will be stored or scattered. There are many ideas around what to do with cremated remains and we have explored these in our blog called Scattering Ashes: Everything you need to know. For memorial urns we have created a comprehensive urn catalogue to find a memorial style to suit you and your loved ones.
