Common Misconceptions About Cremation

Common Misconceptions About Cremation

Cremation is a well-known end of life procedure, mostly known to the general public as the main alternative to the traditional burial process. There are, however, many things that the average person doesn’t know about cremation. These myths span range from misconceptions about the procedure, to its association with certain traditions. 

Here Are Some of the Most Common

Cremation Myths

You are not legally permitted to scatter ashes

This is a common misconceptions about cremation. Scattering ashes is a common practice. It is often due to a last wish of the person who passed away. Families often pour some ashes over a location that held a special place in their loved one’s heart. Many people think this is an illegal practice, because some have gotten into legal trouble when distributing the ashes. The truth is that people will not be charged with a crime as long as they have asked permission, or if they scatter the ashes on their own private property. If you are looking to scatter a family member’s cremation ashes, make sure to cover your bases and ensure that you have permission to place them in your desired location. 
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Cremation results in actual ashes 

Though we refer to them as ashes, cremation remains are mostly comprised of incinerated bone matter. The powder remaining is thought to be ashes, because of its gray color and resemblance to sand.

Your ashes might get mixed in with somebody else’s 

People sometimes avoid cremation because of this fear. Luckily, for everyone’s peace of mind, The NFDA and the ICCFA have made it very clear that funeral homes are to follow strict guidelines during the process. These guidelines guarantee that nobody’s ashes could possibly be mixed in with another person’s. The ICCFA guidelines are all listed here.

Traditional funerals can’t take place after cremation

This is an easy myth to overcome. If you are planning a traditional funeral service for someone who has been cremated, simply bring their urn to the events and treat it as a casket would be treated. A note of remembrance, a prayer card, flowers, and a picture could all be placed around it. 

These myths, and others, contribute to false beliefs about cremation. Cremation has become almost as common as a traditional burial. People see it as carrying a piece of their loved one with them on an everyday basis. Cremation is a clean, regulated process that is permitted by most religions. Best practice, when hearing these myths, is to double-check for the answers from credible sources before accepting anything as factual.  

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