What Is Cremation?
Cremation is a process that involves the high-temperature burning of a deceased person’s body to reduce it to its basic elements, primarily bone fragments. This is performed in a cremation chamber, also known as a cremator, using intense heat, usually ranging from 1400 to 1800 degrees Fahrenheit (760 to 982 degrees Celsius). Once the process is complete, the remains, known as cremains, are collected and prepared for final disposition.
The Cremation Process: Step-by-Step
1. Documentation and Identification: Before the cremation can begin, thorough documentation and identification processes are carried out. This ensures that the deceased is properly identified throughout the entire process. Identification can be done using personal belongings, such as jewelry or ID cards, and proper paperwork is completed.
2. Preparation of the Body: Once the deceased is properly identified, they are prepared for the cremation process. This typically involves removing any jewelry, medical devices, or prosthetics that may interfere with the process or pose a safety risk. The body is then placed in a cremation container, usually made of wood or cardboard, which is combustible and aids in the cremation process.
3. Placement in the Cremation Chamber: The cremation container with the body inside is placed into the cremation chamber. This chamber is preheated to ensure a consistent and efficient process. The temperature is carefully monitored throughout the entire cremation process to ensure it reaches the necessary levels for complete combustion.
4. The Cremation Process: Once the cremation chamber reaches the desired temperature, the combustion process begins. The intense heat inside the chamber vaporizes the body tissue and reduces it to bone fragments. This process usually takes around 2 to 3 hours, depending on the size and weight of the individual.
5. Cooling and Collection of Remains: After the cremation process is complete, the cremated remains, known as cremains, are allowed to cool. The cremains are then carefully collected from the chamber, often utilizing specialized tools. Any remaining metal fragments, such as dental fillings or artificial joints, are removed using a magnet or manual inspection.
6. Processing and Pulverization: Once the cremains are collected, they undergo a processing stage to remove any remaining organic material or foreign substances. The bone fragments are then pulverized into a granular consistency, creating a fine powder known as ashes or cremated remains.
What Happens After Cremation?
After the cremation process, the ashes are usually placed in an urn or another container of the family’s choosing. Families can opt to scatter the ashes in a meaningful location, keep them at home, or inter them in a cemetery or columbarium. Some families also choose to incorporate the ashes into memorial jewelry or other keepsake items. The options for the final disposition of the cremains are as varied as the individuals and families who choose cremation.
Exploring the process of cremation can help demystify this often misunderstood practice. By understanding the step-by-step process, from documentation and identification to the final disposition of the cremains, individuals and families can make more informed decisions regarding their end-of-life arrangements. Whether choosing cremation for yourself or a loved one, knowing what to expect can bring a sense of peace and ensure that the process is carried out with dignity and respect.
Sources
- “What Is Cremation?” National Funeral Directors Association, https://nfda.org/consumer-resources/arranging-a-funeral/choosing-cremation.
- “Cremation.” Cremation Association of North America, https://cremationassociation.org/page/CremationFAQs.