The Cremation Process

Cremation has been a part of the human death experience for a very long time. If you would like to understand more about the cremation process we invite you to read this section. We'll also take a look at cremation costs that will help you with your decision.

A Short History of Cremation

According to Wikipedia, cremation dates back at least 20,000 years ago in Australia, while in Europe, there is evidence of cremation dating to around 2,000 B.C. Cremation was common in Ancient Greece and Rome, and it remains a standard practice in India. The practice of cremation faded in Europe by the fifth century and during the Middle Ages, it was primarily used in the punishment of heretics or in response to the fear of contagious diseases. Today, cremation is chosen by more and more people around the world.

The Flame Cremation Process

Traditional cremation is the process of reducing the remains at very high temperatures until it is nothing but brittle, calcified bones. These are then processed into what we commonly call cremated remains.  Returned to the family in a personal urn (selected by the family), these cremated remains can be kept, buried, or scattered. Some families even choose to place a loved one's cremated remains in a hand-crafted piece of cremation art, called a keepsake.

Author Michelle Kim, in How Cremation Works, details the cremation process: "In modern crematories, the remains are stored in a cool, temperature-controlled room until it's approved for cremation. The remains are prepared by removing a pacemaker or prostheses. The remains are then put into a container/ casket made out of combustible material.

The container/ casket containing the remains are placed in the retort or cremating chamber. It takes anywhere from three to five hours hours. When the cremated remains are cooled, they are then processed by another procedure to a uniformly-sized granular-like substance and placed in an Urn. The funeral director then returns the cremated remains and Urn to the family to be kept at home, to the funeral home or to the cemetery.

Cremation Costs

While it's true that cost is a big factor for many families considering cremation, it's important to remember that cremation is only one part of providing meaningful end-of-life care for a loved one. Coming to terms with the death of a loved one is important and can be achieved with a Visitation period then a Funeral Service with Cremation following or a  Memorial Service with Cremation prior. Bringing family and friends together provides everyone with the opportunity to share memories and receive strength and of course their much needed support from those that visit.

Spend Time with Us

Sit down with us to discuss your cremation options. We appreciate the opportunity to share our insights and experience to fully support you in making end-of-life decisions for you and your family. Call us at 613.359.5555 to schedule an appointment or send us an email at dwssfh@bellnet.ca.

Online Sources:

Wikipedia, "Cremation"
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cremation