When Chapman Funerals & Cremations first opened its doors in 1862, burial was the norm. Families would help prepare a loved one’s body, and a funeral procession would follow a horse-drawn carriage to a church graveyard or a family plot on the farm for a burial.
A lot has changed since then, including the way we lay our loved ones to rest. Cremation is now the most common choice of disposition for families across the country and in our own community. Families choose cremation for a variety of reasons, from cost and convenience to personal preference. But despite its popularity, many questions and misconceptions still linger around the topic.
Whether you are arranging a loved one’s funeral or planning ahead for your own final rest, deciding what to do with the body is an emotionally complex decision. Eliminating uncertainty and apprehension around your choices can help. Here are the answers to some of the most common cremation questions our funeral directors encounter each day.
Does Cremation Mean Not Having a Funeral?
“Should I have a funeral or a cremation?” is a question many struggle with, but the answer is that you don’t have to choose. Cremation is the method of disposition, meaning the way it’s laid to rest. A traditional burial involves the body being placed in a casket and buried in a cemetery plot.
With cremation, ashes can be buried in a grave, placed in a tomb or columbarium niche, scattered at sea, incorporated into memorial keepsakes, and many other options. None of these choices interfere with the funeral itself.
You may hold a funeral with a viewing prior to the cremation, or cremate first and have a memorial service or celebration of life afterward. Whatever order of events you choose, we recommend holding some type of gathering with your family and friends to memorialize your loved one.
A funeral provides a supportive place for mourners to share in their grief and keep a loved one’s story alive. Coming together in grief is an important part of healing from a loss, in whatever form that gathering may take.
How Long Does Cremation Take?
The actual cremation process only takes a few hours. However, there are several steps involved in preparing a body for cremation. There is also paperwork that must be completed before the cremation can be performed. Because the process is irreversible, crematoriums must be very careful to comply with all laws regarding permits and ensure that any investigations related to the death are completed before the cremation can begin.
In general, you can expect to receive your loved one’s ashes within two weeks. Your funeral director can provide you with a more specific timeline and answer any questions you may have about your specific circumstance.
What Do Cremation Ashes Look Like?
Although they’re commonly called “ashes,” cremated remains do not resemble fireplace or wood ashes. The reason for this is that cremation occurs at extremely high temperatures. All organic material is vaporized during the process. What remains is the inorganic material, mostly minerals, found in bone. These remaining bone fragments are tumbled into a sand-like or pebbled texture.
These cremated remains can be scattered, buried, or incorporated into memorial items. They can be kept in an urn or even divided among family members so that everyone can decide on something meaningful to do with their loved one’s ashes.
How Much Does Cremation Cost?
The cost of cremation depends on a number of factors, including what additional services you choose. A cremation following a traditional funeral will be more expensive than a direct cremation, but it will still generally be less expensive than a burial as there is no need to purchase a casket, cemetery plot, and grave liner.
Direct cremation, where an individual’s body is taken to the funeral home, cremated, and returned to the family without any additional services, is often the least expensive way to lay someone to rest. Let your funeral director know about any budget concerns you have, and we will help you make a choice that honors your loved one without causing unnecessary strain on your finances.
What Does the Bible Say About Cremation?
The Bible does not specifically condemn or condone cremation. It is barely mentioned within the text, in fact, with no references at all within the New Testament.
Different religious faiths and traditions have different ideas about cremation. Catholics, for example, have allowed cremation since the 1960s, but it is not allowed in the Greek Orthodox Church. Jewish families bury their loved ones without embalming, usually having a funeral within days of death. Buddhists prefer cremation, but Muslims forbid it.
Cremation is a deeply personal and spiritual decision. If you are honoring a loved one of a different religion, you may wish to consult a spiritual leader of their faith to help you understand your options and what is appropriate.
Our staff at Chapman Funerals & Cremations can also help with these and any other questions you may have about cremation, burial, and your options for laying a loved one to rest. Reach out to any of our Massachusetts funeral homes for more information or to begin making arrangements today.
Feeling overwhelmed with the options and decisions that accompany a loved one’s cremation? We’re here for you.