Cremation is a respectful way to handle a loved one’s remains, involving a process that transforms the body into ashes through intense heat. If you’re unfamiliar with how cremation works, here’s a simple step-by-step guide, along with insights into how cremation rates have evolved over the years.
1. Identification and Paperwork
Before the cremation begins, the crematorium staff verifies the identity of the deceased. This involves matching identification tags or paperwork, like a death certificate, with the person’s remains. This step ensures accuracy and that the correct person is being cremated.
2. Preparation of the Body
Next, the body is prepared. Jewelry and personal items are removed and either returned to the family or disposed of according to the family’s wishes. Medical devices, such as pacemakers, are also removed, as they can be hazardous in the high heat of the cremation process.
3. Placement in a Cremation Container
The body is placed in a special container made of wood, cardboard, or another combustible material. The container helps maintain the dignity of the process and is burned along with the body during cremation.
4. Cremation in the Chamber
The body, in its container, is placed inside the cremation chamber (also called a retort). This is a furnace that reaches temperatures of up to 1,800°F (982°C), which reduces the body to bone fragments over 1.5 to 3 hours, depending on body size and other factors.
5. Cooling of the Remains
Once the process is complete, the remains (mostly bone fragments) are cooled inside the chamber before being carefully removed. Cooling typically takes 30 minutes to an hour.
6. Processing the Remains
The cooled bone fragments are placed in a cremulator, a machine that grinds them into a fine powder, which is what we commonly call “ashes.”
7. Placing Ashes in an Urn
The cremated remains are placed in an urn or other container chosen by the family. If no urn has been selected, the crematorium provides a temporary container.
8. Returning the Ashes to the Family
The ashes are then returned to the family, who can decide how to memorialize their loved one, whether through scattering, storing in an urn, or some other meaningful choice.
A Dignified Process
The cremation process is straightforward and dignified, involving steps to ensure the respectful handling of remains from preparation to the return of ashes. Over the years, cremation has become more widely accepted, with rising rates in both the U.S. and Canada, due to cultural shifts, economic factors, and environmental awareness. Understanding the cremation process, along with these trends, can help individuals make informed decisions when planning for themselves or their loved ones.
