Cremation

The choice to have an earth burial or utilize the process of cremation is a personal one based on many factors including, but not exclusive to, a persons own religious beliefs, or the wishes of the deceased. Most people are familiar with the process of burial. Often questions arise about cremation.

What is Cremation?

Cremation is a process of reducing human remains to bone fragments through the application of intense heat. The process takes from two to three hours to complete. At that time the body has been transformed to a state of small skeletal fragments and fine ash. The cremated remains of an adult usually weigh from three to seven pounds.

What about final disposition of Cremated Remains?

This decision is usually influenced by the type and style of memorialization desired by the next of kin. Cremains may be placed in some form of permanent receptacle or urn before being committed to any final resting place. The family may choose to have the urn present for memorial services, then the desired final disposition may take place.

Some families decide that they be interred in a family plot, or memorial niche with a marker or headstone to mark the site. Some cemeteries and churches also have special gardens where cremated remains may be scattered. Where it is permitted by law, cremated remains may be scattered over land or water. This decision is of course an irreversible one and should be considered very carefully as the emotional impact of not having a permanent memorial site may bring regret. The act of planting a tree or favorite flower in a significant place may serve as a memorial to the deceased. The emotional value of having a permanent memorial site is well worth careful consideration.

What about the costs of cremation verses full burial?

The choice of Cremation quite often is misunderstood as being void of ceremony and memorialization. The costs related to both forms of final disposition are reflected purely by the services chosen at the time of need. If there are to be calling hours, a funeral mass or memorial service followed by some type of interment, the expenses are similar. Of course immediate burial or direct cremation is always an option. The funeral directors at Mystic Funeral Home are always available and willing to provide you with information pertaining to all of the available options. He or she can also explain the legal requirements and assist you in your decision making process.