Cremation serves as an alternative to burial. Reasons for preferring cremation vary. Some religions request it, some may simply like the idea of cremation more. During cremation, the remains are placed in a special furnace and reduced to ash. Cremation is not an alternative to a funeral, but rather an alternative to burials or other forms of disposition. Your loved one may be viewed before cremation takes place, without embalming if the circumstances permit.
Cremated remains can be scattered, buried, or they may be kept with the family in a decorative urn.
We carry a selection of jewelry that holds cremated remains, or that can have something important engraved onto the jewelry, such as a fingerprint.
Some religions welcome cremation, while others forbid it. The Catholic Church had previously banned cremation up until 1963, and burial remains the preferred form of disposition today. In other Christian denominations, cremation was historically discouraged but is now more widely accepted. In eastern religions such as Hinduism, Jainism, Sikhism, and Buddhism, cremation is mandated. In Islam, it is strictly forbidden. Orthodox Jews also forbid cremation, while other sects of Judaism support cremation; however, burial remains the preferred option.
What is cremation?
Cremation is the process of reducing the human body using high heat and flame.
Is a casket needed for cremation?
A special cremation casket is required.
Is embalming required prior to cremation?
No. It is against the law for a funeral home to tell you otherwise.
Can the body be viewed without embalming?
Yes, most crematories allow immediate family members to view the deceased prior to cremation.
Can the family witness the cremation?
Yes they can; some cremation providers will allow family members to be present when the body is placed in the cremation chamber. Some religious groups ask for this as part of their funeral custom.
Can an urn be brought into church?
Yes. Including cremated remains as a part of the funeral provides a focal point for the service.
What can be done with the cremated remains?
While laws vary Province to Province, for the most part, remains can be buried in a cemetery lot or in a cremation garden, interred in a columbarium, kept at home, or scattered.
How can I be sure I receive the correct remains?
All reputable cremation providers have developed rigorous sets of operating policies and procedures in order to maximize the level of service and minimize the potential for human error. Since it is illegal to perform more than one cremation at a time, crematories can only cremate one body at a time, it is next to impossible to receive the incorrect remains. Each decedent is assigned a unique number, and they will have a tag attached to the cremated remains with that unique number.
How long does the actual cremation take?
It all depends on the weight of the individual. For an average sized adult, cremation can take two to three hours.
What do the cremated remains look like?
Cremated remains resemble coarse sand and are whitish to light grey in color. The remains of an average sized adult usually weigh between 7 and 8 pounds.
Do I need an urn?
An urn is not required by law. An urn may be desired if there is to be a memorial service or if the remains are to be interred in a cemetery. If an urn is not purchased or provided by the family, the cremated remains will be returned in a temporary plastic container.