When a death occurs in the family, in most cases, many decisions have to be made quite quickly. One of the greatest concerns that families have when making funeral arrangements is cremation. The family or person arranging the funeral service will commonly ask questions about what actually happens during a cremation, how much time is needed for it to be completed, and what the entire cremation involves.
Because there are a variety of reasons that cremation is now a popular option (the ease of getting this type of funeral service and the fact that it generally costs less than a traditional burial), many people do not have a clear understanding of all aspects of the process. This article will provide the reader with an outline of how cremation works from beginning to end.
What Does The Cremation Mean?
Basically, cremation is one of the final ways of handling human remains, which uses heat to reduce the body to bone fragments. After that, the bone fragments are ground to what is generally termed ashes or cremated remains.
The cremation process is under strict control and is carried out by experts. It includes a thorough identification process to guarantee dignity and accuracy. While the idea of cremation might be strange or even scary to some people, understanding the process is often very comforting.
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The reason why people have shifted from burial to cremation is due to the fact that the latter offers flexibility in many ways, one of which is the choice of time for holding memorial services, among others.
How Does The Cremation Process Work?
The cremation process really starts well ahead of the actual cremation. For one, there must be legal paperwork done, such as the death certificate and cremation permit, which have to be signed by the family members who survived the deceased. These are legal requirements and make sure that everything is handled properly.
Before the body is allowed to go through the process, it is first identified. Identification is kept with the body throughout the entire process so that there is no mistake. The body is then prepared and put into a cremation container, which is most commonly cardboard or wooden and is fully combustible.
The Step By Step Guidance of The Cremation Process
People ask what is the process of cremation?. The Cremation process is very sacred because a human body is burned into ashes. As this is a vital element of some religions. Mainly Hindus, Buddhists, and many other religions. Follow this process. The process remains the most significant act of ending life.
Step 1: Identification and Permission
The crematory starts by identifying the person through their records and tracking tags. Cremation takes place only after the necessary legal permission has been obtained.
Step 2: Preparing the Body
The body is treated with dignity. Any medical equipment that may cause problems is taken out, and personal effects are given back to the family unless otherwise requested. The body is then packed into a simple container designed for cremation.
Step 3: Cremation
Next, the coffin goes into the cremation unit for 2–3 hours, where in a very high heat environment, the organic material and other bodily components turn into small bone fragments as opposed to ash, which is commonly mistaken for ashes.
Step 4: Cooling and Processing
After the procedure is over, the remains are cooled. Any metal components are taken out, and the bones are processed into fine particles.
Step 5: Returning the Remains
After that, the remains of the body, like ashes, are left. And they are returned to their families. And it may be followed by other processes, like pouring into the water.
The Process of Cremation For Humans
The cremation process for humans is done in an ethical and legal manner. Only one body is cremated at a time, and there is identification throughout the process. Families can be assured that the remains they get are only from their loved one.
Each culture and religion has its own perspective regarding cremation. Some cultures strictly adhere to burials, while most religions allow cremation, especially when it is done with respect. It is the funeral directors who assist and guide families in such cases.
How Much Time Does the Cremation Process Take?
The cremation takes almost 2 to 4 hours to cremate the body fully, and it is performed by professionals. However, from paperwork to the return of the remains takes several days. Families can expect to receive the cremated remains in three to seven days.
There are several reasons why the process may take longer, including
- Legal paperwork
- Crematory scheduling
- The size of the person’s body
- Whether a memorial service is to be held before cremation
What Does Burial Take Time?
The cremation process is faster than burial. There are certain reasons for this. Because the cremation only takes the body into the fire and burnt in the chamber. Meanwhile, the process of burial takes more time because it is followed by some processes like the casket, graveyard allotting, and other necessary paperwork. The burial process is also the most expensive one. And it takes more money than a cremation.
The Water Cremation Process Explained
This is the new process for cremation. It follows the alkaline water and water. The body is dissolved in it. But it takes more time than the process of cremation. However, this is also one of the process which is liked by many people now. But, some are still stuck to the process.
- Water cremation, also known as alkaline hydrolysis, is an alternative to flame cremation.
- It uses water, heat, and a mild alkaline solution instead of fire.
- The body is put in a sealed chamber where the tissues are reduced in several hours.
- Bone ash is left and reduced to cremated remains, as in traditional cremation.
- Many find it appealing because it is more environmentally friendly and requires less energy.
Cremation Vs Water Cremation
| Traditional Cremation | Water Cremation |
| Uses high heat and flame | Uses water, heat, and alkaline solution |
| Takes about 2 to 3 hours | Takes several hours |
| Produces emissions from burning | Produces fewer emissions |
| Widely available and accepted | Limited availability in some areas |
| Uses more energy overall | More energy efficient and eco-friendly |
The Pros And Cons of The Cremation Process
| Pros | Cons |
| Generally more affordable | Not accepted by all religions |
| Flexible memorial timing | No permanent grave unless chosen |
| Takes up less space than a burial | Some families prefer traditional burial |
| Faster process of a cremation than burial | Ashes handling can feel emotional |
| Allows many memorial options | Less tangible for those wanting a grave site |
Conclusion
The Cremation process is taken as sacred. This is strictly taken under the full observation, basic purpose of cremation is to take the body, respectively, and cremate it with full honor. First time it looks create and horrible at first, but behind this there is deep meaning, and some religions take it more sacred way than other ways. If you go to learn about this process, you will get more insights about it. That’s why it is a more effective way than others. However, other ways are also sacred, like this. But everyone prefers their own religion, and it needs to be respected.
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FAQs
What is the step by step process of cremation?
The identification is followed by paper works body preparation. Putting the body into the cremation chamber, and the remaining ashes are returned to their loved ones.
Why do you have to wait 3 days to cremate a body?
It is a legal requirement in some states. However, it also takes time for paperwork and other necessary processes.
Do organs get removed before cremation?
No, all the organs remain in the body. If their family or his/her own wish to donate them, it will be donated before.
How long does a body need to be cremated?
The cremation process usually takes 2 to 3 hours to be cremated.
Which body part does not burn in cremation?
The bones are not burned while cremating; however, it follows the process of bone cremation.
