What is Cremation?

Cremation is a process that dates back to ancient times in Greek and Scandinavian areas of the world. Cremation was practiced because in the frozen tundra, earth burial, as we know it, simply was not practical. In those days, the most noble of funeral ceremonies involved locating an abandoned skiff, placing the deceased onboard and setting fire to the vessel as it went out to sea.

Cremation is a process where the body is exposed to intense heat. Cremated remains may be kept in special receptacles called urns, buried in the ground or placed in a niche in a mausoleum, and some cemeteries or churches have special gardens where cremated remains may be scattered. Scattering cremains has an appeal but should be carefully considered. It is a permanent decision and survivors my feel regret if no permanent memorial is established.

Cremation may seem strange to some people but we feel it is because people think cremation limits options available to them. Just like traditional funerals, options are always available, and each service is designed to each family's desires and wishes. Prior to the cremation there may be visitation or a funeral ceremony with the body present, just like another funeral ceremony you might have attended. For families who choose this option, we provide a casket that also functions as a cremation container. This casket, made of wood, cannot be distinguished from any ordinary casket design. After visitation and/or the funeral ceremony, the cremation insert is removed from the casket. Most crematories require a closed container to protect the health of operators while maintaining the dignity of the deceased as well.

If cremation is a topic that you would like to know more about or learn in more detail what options a person who selects cremation has, feel free to contact us. We will gladly answer any question that you might have.

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