Cremation Juneau AK

Cremation

Cremation, which is disposing of the body by fire, dates back more than 2,000 years. It was commonly practiced in ancient Greece, Rome and India. Christianity discouraged the custom in Europe, but as cities grew and cemeteries became crowded, it was revived as a practical alternative to burial. In fact, in England, where land is at a premium, more than seventy percent (70%) of all funerals end in cremation. Recently, cremation also has gained popularity in the United States. However, the practice is not sanctioned by the Roman Catholic Church or traditional Judaism.

The Cremation Process

Cremation reduces the body to its basic elements through a process that exposes it to open flames, intense heat and evaporation. This is done in a specially designed furnace called a cremation chamber or retort. Many crematories require a container for the body such as a casket appropriate for cremation or a rigid cardboard container.

Cremated remains are commonly referred to as "ashes," however, in reality they consist primarily of bone fragments. It is important to recognize that the cremated remains of the body are commingled with any remains of the container as well as any other incidental by-products of the incineration. Cremation produces 3 to 9 pounds of remains, depending upon the size of the body and the process used by the crematory.

What to do with the ashes

After the body is cremated, ashes can be buried, scattered or kept in an urn. The crematory will deliver the remains either in a temporary container, such as a cardboard box, or in the permanent container. Cemeteries provide several options for interring cremated remains including plots for burial and "niches" in a columbarium. They also offer gardens for scattering. See Service Providers — Cemeteries for more on this. Tiny containers, designed to be worn as jewelry, are also available to hold only a small portion of ashes.

State and local laws govern the scattering of ashes in public and private lands, and at sea but private companies offer many scattering options. One can choose to be scattered over a favorite area or onto a tranquil body of water. A loved one's cremated remains can also become an artificial reef that’s placed in the ocean. It’s even possible to scatter ashes into outer space.

Who is Choosing Cremation?

Choosing cremation is a matter of personal choice. Cremations are becoming increasingly accepted in the United States as an alternative to earth burial. In the U.S., cremations as a percentage of deaths have increased from approximately 5% in 1970 to approximately 32% today. Projections provided by the Cremation Association of North America (CANA) indicate that this upward trend will continue but at a reduced rate. CANA projects that the cremation rate in the U.S. could reach 36% by 2010. Some religious faiths remain opposed to cremation.

Cremation rates vary dramatically across regions of the United States, at least in...

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