Cremation is an increasingly popular choice for final disposition due to its affordability, simplicity, and flexibility. This page explores the process, history, and benefits of cremation to help you make an informed decision.
The Cremation Process
Cremation is a respectful, carefully managed process carried out by trained professionals. Here’s an overview of how it works:
1. Preparation
Before cremation begins, the family provides authorization. Jewelry, medical devices (such as pacemakers), and implants are removed to ensure safety during the process. The body is then placed in an alternative container, often made of heavy cardboard.
2. Cremation
The container is placed in a cremation chamber (retort) and exposed to temperatures reaching 1600-2000°F.
After 2-3 hours, organic matter is consumed, leaving behind bone fragments (cremains).
These fragments are cooled, metal remnants are removed with magnets, and the remains are ground into a fine, gravel-like powder.
3. Final Steps
The cremated remains are placed in a temporary container or an urn provided by the family.
The entire process follows strict identification protocols to ensure the remains are handled respectfully and accurately.
If you have questions about the process, our team is here to provide clarity and support. Call us at (410) 777-5295 for more information.
The History of Cremation
Cremation has been practiced for thousands of years, with its history varying across cultures and religions:
Ancient Times: Evidence suggests cremation dates back 20,000 years. By 2000 B.C., it was commonly practiced in parts of Europe and Asia.
Roman Empire: Cremation was a standard burial practice, often associated with military honors, until the first century A.D.
Middle Ages: In Sweden and other regions, cremation declined with the rise of Christianity but was later revived during the French Revolution as a way to reduce the church’s role in burials.
Modern Era: The first modern crematory in the U.S. was built in Pennsylvania in 1876. Since then, cremation rates have steadily risen, now exceeding burial in many areas.
Today, cremation is practiced in at least 31 countries, with rates ranging from less than 2% in Ghana to over 75% in Switzerland.
Benefits of Cremation
Many families choose cremation for its practical and emotional benefits. Here are five key advantages:
1. Cost-Effectiveness: Cremation costs are typically 45-50% lower than burial, as it eliminates expenses like caskets, headstones, and burial plots.
2. Environmental Considerations:Cremation avoids embalming chemicals and reduces land use compared to burial. Modern technologies are also reducing the environmental impact of crematories.
3. Simplicity:Direct cremation allows families to forgo complex arrangements like wakes or traditional funerals, opting instead for personalized memorials or celebrations of life.
4. Flexibility:Cremation offers versatile options, including scattering ashes, keeping them in an urn, incorporating them into jewelry, or memorializing loved ones in art glass.
5. Cemetery Availability: With burial plots becoming scarce and expensive, cremation provides an alternative that doesn’t rely on cemetery space unless the family chooses.
Cremation FAQs
What is cremation? Cremation is a process that uses intense heat to reduce the body to ashes. During the cremation, which lasts approximately 2-3 hours at temperatures around 1600°F, the body is placed in a cremation chamber. The remaining bone fragments, known as cremated remains or cremains, are then processed into a fine, gravel-like texture.
What is direct cremation? Direct cremation is a straightforward option where the body is cremated without any prior ceremonies or preparation. The process uses an alternative container instead of a traditional casket, making it a simple and cost-effective choice.
Is a casket required for cremation? No, a casket is not required. For the cremation process, we use a corrugated cremation container, ensuring your loved one is handled with care and respect.
Is embalming required for direct cremation? No, embalming is not required for direct cremation. This makes it a simpler and more natural option.
Do I need to purchase an urn for the cremains? Cremated remains are returned in a temporary scattering container: a black plastic box with a hinged lid, enclosed in a white cardboard box. If you plan to keep the remains at home, place them in a columbarium niche, or use them for memorial purposes, you may wish to choose a permanent urn from our selection.
How can I ship cremated remains? Cremated remains can only be shipped through the U.S. Postal Service using their special services for shipping ashes. Other carriers, like FedEx, UPS, or DHL, do not permit the transportation of cremains.
Can I have a visitation or service with cremation? Yes, we offer several options: - A visitation at our funeral home before cremation. - A memorial service after cremation, with or without the cremains present. - Witnessing the start of the cremation process, if desired.
Who can authorize a cremation? Typically, the immediate next of kin, such as a spouse, will authorize the cremation and make arrangements. If the spouse is deceased, this responsibility may fall to the children. In some cases, other relatives or close friends may step forward. If you’re unsure who can authorize the cremation, contact us for guidance.
Can I scatter cremated remains in a public park or other location? While scattering ashes is a meaningful option, it’s important to check local laws and regulations, as they vary by state, city, and county. If you’re considering scattering in Maryland, we can provide you with a copy of the state’s scattering regulations.
What memorialization options are available with cremation? Cremation offers a variety of ways to memorialize your loved one: - Selecting a personalized urn for permanent containment. - Placing the urn in a columbarium, family plot, or special urn garden. - Scattering ashes in a meaningful location.
Is a funeral director required for cremation? Yes, in Maryland, the services of a licensed funeral director are required for any form of final disposition, including cremation.
Is embalming necessary for cremation? No, embalming is not a requirement for cremation. This allows families to avoid additional preparations and costs.
