Understanding the extremely human and compassionate manner a body is handled from death through cremation might help to alleviate the worry that comes with the transitory phase of life known as “death.”
Did you know that less than 10% of Americans were cremated only 40 years ago? According to the National Cremation Association of North America, that figure has already grown to 53.1 percent and is predicted to reach over 60 percent by 2023.
After reading this article, you may be astonished at what truly happens and glad to know how a body is prepared for cremation. Knowing what has occurred or will happen to your loved ones may make you feel more at rest.
Here is how a body is prepared for cremation, step-by-step from death to returning home to their loved ones
The first step in the cremation process is to ensure that the correct body is being cremated. This is done through a series of checks, which may include checking the identity of the deceased against the paperwork authorizing the cremation, checking for identifying marks on the body, or using fingerprinting or other forms of identification.
The next step is to obtain authorization for the cremation. This authorization can come from the next of kin, the executor of the deceased’s estate, or a court. The authorization will include information such as the identity of the deceased, the date of death, and the cremation authorization form.
The body is then prepared for cremation. This preparation may include cleaning the body, dressing the body in a shroud or cremation garment, and placing the body in a casket or cremation container.
The body is placed in a cremation container, a sturdy box designed to withstand the high temperatures of the cremation process. The container may be made of wood, metal, or cardboard.
The cremation container with the body is then placed in the cremation chamber, which is typically a large oven. The chamber is heated to a very high temperature, typically between 1,500 and 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit.
Once the cremation is complete, the remaining bone fragments are pulverized into fine particles, called ashes. The ashes are then placed in a container, which may be chosen by the family or provided by the cremation company. The ashes are then returned to the family.
If the family chooses to bury the ashes, the cremation company may help to arrange a funeral service and transport the ashes to the cemetery. The family may also arrange for the ashes to be scattered in a special place that holds meaning for the deceased.
The cremation process from start to finish can be a bit overwhelming, but it is important to remember that cremation is just another way of disposing of a body. There are many factors to consider when choosing cremation, but ultimately it is a personal decision. The process itself is relatively straightforward, and if you have any questions, there are plenty of resources available to help you understand it.
If you are pre-planning or experiencing a loss and are unsure of your options, whether it be a traditional funeral or direct cremation in Los Angeles, please do not hesitate to contact us at Ashes to Ashes Corporation. Even if you are not using our services, we’ll be happy to help! Contact us at (323) 644-3323.
