The Cremation Process, Explained
Cremation refers to the combustion, oxidation and vaporization of a corpse to basic chemical compounds, including gases, mineral fragments and ashes. Following cremation, the family of the decedent receives a container or urn that holds their loved one’s ashes. Many times, for financial reasons, an individual will forego a funeral with a burial, opting for cremation: The National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA) states that since 2005, cremation rates have increased by approximately 13 percent (from 32.3 percent to 45.4 percent). It is believed that cremation is on the rise because it is more economical than a burial is: The average cost of a funeral with cremation is approximately $6,000, which is about $1,100 less than the average cost of a …show more content…
After the remains are reduced, they are placed in a temporary container (provided by the crematorium) or in an urn that was previously purchased by the decedent’s family.
Embalming and Cremation
Individuals who choose cremation over burial do not necessarily need to be embalmed; however, some families choose to have their loved one embalmed prior to a public viewing of the body. Embalming may be required if the corpse needs to be transported to a distant location or if there is a substantial length of time before the cremation process can be completed. If a corpse is not embalmed, it must be refrigerated to halt the decomposition of tissue. Refrigerating a corpse that has not been embalmed protects others from potential health hazards.
Viewing Prior to and During Cremation
Some funeral homes offer a rental casket to be used during viewing (wake). If desired, family members can usually make arrangements through the crematory or funeral home to view their loved one’s cremation.
Following the
Cremation refers to the combustion, oxidation and vaporization of a corpse to basic chemical compounds, including gases, mineral fragments and ashes. Following cremation, the family of the decedent receives a container or urn that holds their loved one’s ashes. Many times, for financial reasons, an individual will forego a funeral with a burial, opting for cremation: The National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA) states that since 2005, cremation rates have increased by approximately 13 percent (from 32.3 percent to 45.4 percent). It is believed that cremation is on the rise because it is more economical than a burial is: The average cost of a funeral with cremation is approximately $6,000, which is about $1,100 less than the average cost of a …show more content…
After the remains are reduced, they are placed in a temporary container (provided by the crematorium) or in an urn that was previously purchased by the decedent’s family.
Embalming and Cremation
Individuals who choose cremation over burial do not necessarily need to be embalmed; however, some families choose to have their loved one embalmed prior to a public viewing of the body. Embalming may be required if the corpse needs to be transported to a distant location or if there is a substantial length of time before the cremation process can be completed. If a corpse is not embalmed, it must be refrigerated to halt the decomposition of tissue. Refrigerating a corpse that has not been embalmed protects others from potential health hazards.
Viewing Prior to and During Cremation
Some funeral homes offer a rental casket to be used during viewing (wake). If desired, family members can usually make arrangements through the crematory or funeral home to view their loved one’s cremation.
Following the