Cremation is a process that respectfully reduces a deceased person's body to ashes. While the specifics may vary slightly depending on the crematory and local regulations, the general preparation process involves several key steps. This guide will walk you through these stages, answering common questions about this sensitive yet important topic.
What Happens to a Body Before Cremation?
The preparation of a body for cremation is a respectful and dignified process. While it may differ slightly based on individual circumstances and the crematory's protocols, here’s a general overview:
1. Identification and Verification: The deceased is thoroughly identified using identification tags and paperwork to ensure the correct individual is being cremated. This is a crucial step to prevent any errors.
2. Removal of Medical Devices and Personal Items: Pacemakers, artificial joints, and other medical devices are typically removed before cremation. This is a safety precaution, as some devices may contain materials that could damage the cremation equipment or release harmful substances during the process. Personal items, such as jewelry, are also removed and returned to the family.
3. Dressing and Casketing (Optional): Depending on the family's wishes and the crematory's offerings, the body may be dressed in clothing and placed in a cremation casket or container. This is not always a required step. A simple shroud may be used instead.
4. Placement in the Retort: The casket or container holding the remains is then placed into a cremation chamber, also known as a retort.
What Happens During the Cremation Process?
The cremation process itself uses intense heat to reduce the body to bone fragments. The retort reaches temperatures around 1400-1800°F (760-982°C), and the process typically lasts for around 1-2 hours. This high heat vaporizes soft tissues, leaving only bone fragments.
What Happens After Cremation?
1. Processing of Remains: After the cremation is complete, the remaining bone fragments are allowed to cool. They are then carefully processed in a cremulator, a machine that gently pulverizes the fragments into a fine powder. This creates the ashes, sometimes referred to as cremains.
2. Return of Ashes: The ashes are then collected and placed in an urn chosen by the family. The urn can then be kept at home, buried, scattered, or kept in a columbarium.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Does the body need to be embalmed before cremation?
Embalming is not typically required for cremation. However, some families may opt for embalming if they wish to have a viewing before the cremation. It is entirely a matter of personal preference.
Can I be present during the cremation?
While some crematories allow family members to observe the cremation process, it's not a common practice. The process takes place in a highly controlled environment, and the intensity of the heat makes it unsuitable for observation.
What happens to dental fillings and other implants?
Metal implants such as dental fillings, hip replacements, and other medical implants will usually survive the cremation process. These materials are often collected and recycled after cremation.
What happens to the ashes of multiple people cremated together?
If multiple people are cremated together, the ashes are commingled. It is important to clarify this with the funeral home before proceeding.
How long does the entire process take?
The whole process, from preparation to the return of the ashes, can take a few days to a couple of weeks, depending on the crematory's schedule and the family's choices regarding services.
This guide provides a general overview of the cremation process. Always confirm specific procedures with your chosen funeral home or crematory. Understanding this process can bring comfort and provide closure to grieving families. Remember that every family's needs are different, and respecting those needs is paramount.
