ash scattering ceremony

What to Say When Scattering Ashes

This article includes what to say when scattering ashes in a fully formatted ceremony with prompts to scatter the ashes and opportunities for attendees to speak.

These ceremony outlines provide examples and sample content. You can use them to adapt to your own needs and add or remove elements. Customize as needed to celebrate your loved one in the way you want.


Ash Scattering Ceremony

This ash scattering ceremony provides you with options on what to say and when to say it throughout a full ash scattering ceremony. Feel free to adapt words and readings to suit the group gather to say goodbye and that honors your loved one.

Welcome and Opening Statement


Purpose: Set the tone for the ceremony and explain its significance.

Example of what to say:

“Welcome, everyone. Today, we gather to honor and celebrate the life of [Name]. This place was special to [Name], and it feels fitting to release their ashes here, surrounded by those who loved them most. As we scatter these ashes, we are reminded of the natural cycle of life and the ways in which [Name]’s memory will live on—in nature, in our hearts, and in the stories we share today.”


Reflection or Memory Sharing

Purpose: Create space for personal tributes. Encourage attendees to share memories.

Example of what to say:

“Before we scatter [Name]’s ashes, I invite you to share a memory, a story, or something meaningful about [Name]. If you’d prefer, you can simply express what they meant to you.”

Pause and allow people to share their reflections. If no one is ready, you can proceed by sharing a memory yourself.

“[Name] was someone who brought so much joy and kindness to the people around them. I’ll always remember their ability to [insert a unique trait or memory]. It’s moments like those that remind us how special they were and why they’ll remain in our hearts forever.”


Poem or Reading

Purpose: Offer a moment of reflection with a meaningful reading.

Example of what to say:
At this time, I’d like to share a poem that reflects [Name]’s life and this moment of transition.”

Suggested Poem: “Do Not Stand at My Grave and Weep” by Mary Elizabeth Frye
“Do not stand at my grave and weep,
I am not there; I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow,
I am the diamond glints on snow…”

See also:


Instructions for Scattering the Ashes

Purpose: Guide attendees on the process of scattering ashes and provide prompts for reflection.

“We will now scatter [Name]’s ashes as a way of saying goodbye and returning them to the earth. Each of you is invited to take part. As you scatter the ashes, you might reflect on a memory, silently say goodbye, or simply think about how [Name]’s spirit will continue to touch our lives.”

Provide practical guidance based on the scattering location, such as:
“Take a handful of ashes and scatter them with the wind” or “Spread them gently into the water, letting the current carry them.”


Saying Goodbye

Purpose: Provide a meaningful statement as the ashes are released.

“As we scatter these ashes, we honor [Name]’s life and the love they gave. We let them go with gratitude for the time we had, and we hold onto their memory in our hearts. Goodbye, [Name]. May you rest in peace and continue to inspire us.”


Closing Statement and Gesture

Purpose: Bring the ceremony to a close with gratitude or a symbolic act.

Example of what to say

Thank you all for being here today. Your presence is a testament to the impact [Name] had on so many lives. Let us leave this place with hearts full of love and gratitude for the moments we shared with them.”

Optional closing gestures:

  • A moment of silence: “Let’s take a quiet moment to reflect on [Name]’s life and say our personal goodbyes.”
  • Placing flowers: “Feel free to place a flower, leaf, or token in the scattering spot as a tribute to [Name].”
  • Playing a meaningful song: Choose a piece of music [Name] loved to play as the gathering concludes.

Optional Follow-Up Gathering or Reception

Example of what to say:

“You are all welcome to join us for a small gathering afterward to continue sharing stories and celebrating [Name]’s life.”

How to use these instructions

You can grab an editable version of this ash scattering ceremony for free. Get a copy from Google Docs.

ACCESS FREE CEREMONY SCRIPT

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