You are starting your journey towards accepting the loss of a loved one after the emotional burial and memorial service. Making the tough choice of what to do with the ashes is an inescapable part of this journey. In the past, it was usual for the person closest to the deceased to keep all of their remains; now, there is a trend toward dividing these ashes to offer everyone close to the deceased a means to remember them.
Why divide ashes?
There are several reasons why you would want to distribute ashes among your loved ones. The main goal is to offer everyone close to the individual a chance to cherish and honor them in their special way. If your family is dispersed, dividing ashes can help with closure and be a cathartic event. If the remains are divided, the family can scatter the deceased in many of their favorite locations.
You are all given more flexibility to deal with your loss and honor your loved one in the best way for each person, no matter what you and your family decide. Your loved one’s ashes will be handed to you after a cremation, and you can choose how you want to handle them.
If you are looking for inspiration, here is a list of things to do with ashes after cremation.
Vinyl record
Why not turn your loved one’s ashes into their favorite song if they liked music? With the opportunity to personalize the record sleeve, several businesses will use a little amount of your loved one’s ashes to create playable vinyl records.
Cremation jewelry
Cremation jewelry made for the cremains is the ideal way to keep your loved one near you. Each cremation jewelry is customizable and can be made as a ring, earrings, necklace (including fillable lockets), bracelet, cufflinks, or charm bead and incorporates the ashes or hair of your loved one.
Make them a diamond
What better way to remember your loved ones than by turning them into exquisite gems? After all, every diamond is unique. It’s not challenging to locate a business that provides this exceptional service.
Send them into space
Take a loved one, a friend, or a family member on an extraordinary journey. Several businesses would take the cremated remains of your loved one on a fantastic final adventure if they were a space enthusiast.
Memorial tattoo
Some tattoo artists provide a unique service in which a small quantity of the ashes of your loved one is combined with the tattoo ink and then engraved onto your body.
Memorial firework display
Put your loved one’s ashes in the night sky to illuminate it. You can send your loved one go with a bang by purchasing memorial fireworks that integrate cremated ashes.
Scatter them at sea
A popular option for people with an affinity to the ocean, perhaps avid sailors, is to scatter the ashes at sea. Some people choose to charter a boat and allow guests to say a few words before pouring the ashes close to the water’s surface. Alternatively, biodegradable urns float for a few minutes before peacefully sinking under the water.
Create a living legacy
Making your loved one a permanent living legacy in the water is another creative concept for a memorial; artificial memorial reefs support the growth of marine life. You might also bury their ashes next to a tree (biodegradable cremation urns). This is wonderful if your partner or loved one appreciates the outdoors or gardening.
What do you put cremated ashes in?
There are many options for how to keep your loved one’s ashes safe, as the suggestions above have indicated. Finding something special to you and your loved one’s memories is the goal.
Can cremated ashes be spread anywhere?
There are several laws and regulations regarding scattering ashes, but the general rule is: that you can scatter ashes anywhere, providing permission from the landowner.
Can cremated ashes be divided?
Yes, ashes can be divided between some family members, or if you want to do multiple things with them, i.e., make a jewelry keepsake and scatter them in the ocean, then this is possible.
Can cremated ashes be buried?
Cremated remains can be buried, but you must adhere to these necessary laws –
- Churchyards or cemeteries may occasionally have the room set aside for this, but this depends on your locality, so it’s wise to consult with your neighborhood funeral director.
- You don’t need permission to do this on your property, but you should consider what will happen if you move, such as whether you’ll take the ashes with you or bury them.
- Get the landowner’s consent if it is private property.
Your local funeral director can assist you with this as they have relationships with cemeteries in your region.
Remember
Everyone finds grieving challenging, and everyone processes it differently. Spend some time talking to your family about what your loved one would have wanted and how you all think it would be best to handle their remains going forward.
