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CHANGES TOWARD CREMATION
The construction of the first crematory in the United States was in 1876 in
Pennsylvania. Between 1876 and 1900 cremations represented less than 1% of deaths.
Today, 23 percent of the deaths in the United States result in cremation, and
by the year 2010, it is predicated that 42 percent of Americans will choose
cremation.
Research from the Cremation Association of North America highlights 8 trends
that contribute to the increase in cremation:
- Increasing life expectancy.
- Increasing migration to retirement locations.
- Diminishing regional differences.
- Changing origins of immigrants.
- Rising educational level.
- Cremation is becoming more acceptable as a normal form of preparation for
final disposition.
- Less ties to tradition.
- Environmental considerations.
Some states are very liberal in their attitudes towards scattering. After the
necessary paperwork is filed with the county, in the state of Colorado, it's
legal to bury a loved one in a pine box in the back yard or scatter his cremains
from the top of a Fourteener -- so long as the property owner allows it.
URN SIZE & PURPOSES
Cremation Urns can be used to hold ashes for interring, either in a cemetery niche or at home, scattering or both. To measure for sizing: One cubic inch equals one pound of body weight.
Mementos, such as a lock of hair, a letter, a small piece of clothing, a ball, collar, leash, or special toys, can be placed in the urn as a memoriam of remembrance for your loved pet. If ashes are scattered, a permanent place of remembrance can still be made either at home or at a cemetery.
Keepsakes and keepsake jewelry urns are to keep a very small amount of cremains "as a keepsake". Some keepsakes can accommodate a lock of hair or collar, toy. etc.
PREARRANGEMENTSOften time’s people wish to prearrange their pet's funeral, so the family doesn't have to make difficult decisions during their time of grief. This is also possible when considering cremation.
WHAT IS CREMATION?
The dictionary defines cremation as a process of incinerating the body of a dead
person. It has also been defined as a rapid rate of oxidation accelerated by intense
heat.
Before the cremation process takes place, certain medical devices and/or implants
must be removed from the body. These many include pacemakers, prosthesis, mechanical
and radioactive devices materials, or other implants. Not removing these items
could cause damage to the cremation chamber or to crematory personnel.
Today, bodies to be cremated are placed in cardboard or wooden containers. Embalming
prior to cremation is not necessary and it is against the law for a consumer to
be told that the body must be embalmed first in the United States.
Depending on state and local laws, there may be a waiting period of up to 48 hours
from the time of death before the human remains may be cremated. Many state laws
require a waiting period of 24 hours.
The casket or container and the body are placed into the cremation chamber and
consumed by the intense heat and flames. The temperature ranges between 1400 and
2100 degrees Fahrenheit.
All soft tissue are vaporized, and the skeletal body framework is reduced to bone
fragments and particles. The bone particles removed from the chamber vary in size
and shape and may be mechanically processed, or ground down, to reduce them to
a manageable consistency for placement into an urn.
The time required for cremation to be completed may vary depending upon the weight
and the size of the person or pet. Generally cremation takes 2 to 3 hours, with
a cooling period of an additional 1 to 2 hours.
Cremated remains normally weigh between four and eight pounds. This can vary depending
on the individual. The cremated remains will be placed in an urn or cremated remains
container that you provide.You can request that the ashes be put into a few small
urn containers for family members, or a single large urn or even a portion in
a dissolving urns and some in an urn, which can be interned.
SERVICE CHOICES
You have several options. Some prefer to keep the cremated remains in their personal
possession. Others feel that it is more appropriate to put the cremated remains
in a formal or permanent location. It is common to bury the urn just as you would
bury a casket. The burial site offers a permanent place for loved ones to visit
and reflect on the life of the deceased pet. Burial can also be in an urn garden
or private crypt.
A columbarium (mausoleum niche), either indoors or outdoors, can provide a permanent
place for the family to visit. The columbarium niche is marked with a nameplate
listing dates of birth and death. A choice may also be to keep the urn at home.
Scattering is also an option. Cremated remains are often spread over a lake, river,
ocean, mountain, field or scattering garden. Water scattering can include a biodegradable
urn, which is also included in the scattering.
As people develop new traditions and rituals, it is important to understand that
there are choices and options available.
So, be sure to consider all of your options before making your decision.
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