By Hal Stevens
The choice of cremation is a very delicate one. Whether you're making the choice for yourself or for a loved one, your preference can be effected by numerous factors.
1.Some people have a fear of close spaces. Very often the idea of burial is particularly terrifying for these people and they pre-arrange their cremation.
Some people have a severe psychological or pathological fear of burial in the ground or a tomb. This thought can often leave people in a panic so if they pre-plan their arrangements for after they die; many times they are much better able to cope with their own death.
2. Some find the concept of having their ashes or the ashes of their loved one scattered on the wind or water to be a very beautiful thought.
After cremation, the "ashes" are returned to the family of the deceased.
Depending on the wishes of the family, the cremains can be placed in a special urn called a "cinerary" urn which is sealed or in a small wooden or metal box.
Sometimes, however, the cremains (especially if they are going to be scattered) are returned to the family in a plastic-lined, cardboard box. Many people, however, prefer the notion of "scattering" the ashes. Some cemeteries are now offering "scattering gardens" on cemetery property, but further away from the grave sites. Here, the family of the deceased has the opportunity to scatter the cremains in an attractive, but controlled setting. In many cases, the cemetery offers an opportunity to place a plaque in honor of the deceased on a wall or bench within the scattering garden.
Some people prefer to scatter the cremains in places that were meaningful to their loved one. It's important to check the laws in that area to make sure that the disposition of cremains is not illegal. Many areas have guidelines which govern this including the scattering of remains in public water.
3. There's freedom in planning the funeral service. In preparing for cremation, the family of the deceased (unless pre-instructed) will need to decide whether or not they will have a traditional funeral prior to the cremation.
When someone that you love gets cremated, you have separated yourself from having to obey any restrictions that are part of a traditional funeral. There is no precise timeframe in which the funeral must be held. There is also no exact place where it must be held. If the family wishes they can have a traditional funeral in combination with a cremation but they don't have to. That is what many are finding to be a very attractive alternative.
Hal is the author of several critically acclaimed eBooks specifically written to help people deal with end of life issues. His eBooks include topics such as: cremation, writing and delivering a eulogy, eco-friendly green funerals, funeral planning, organ donation, and buying and selling cemetery plots. To find out more about his CemeterySpot family of free services and resources, to learn more about his books, and to get a free gift, please visit: http://www.cemeteryspot.com.
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