Scattering Cremated Remains
The decision to have the remains of a loved one cremated provides a family with a number of options when deciding upon a final resting place. One such option is scattering. This is the disposal of the cremated remains into the environment by pouring them out of the urn or container in which they are placed by the crematorium.
For some cultures and religions the practice of scattering is well established and accepted. However, for certain Christian faiths scattering is not considered an option. Rather the preference is that the disposition of cremated remains should be done in the same manner as if cremation has not taken place. Therefore, is it irreverent to scatter? Is it a means to avoid facing the reality of death? Let’s consider the dynamics of scattering and the relevance of these questions.
Characteristics of Cremated Remains
The cremation process reduces human remains to varying sizes of bone fragments which are mixed with the ashes of the cremation casket or container. Once separated from the ashes, the bone fragments are further reduced in size mechanically. This is done in a machine known as a processor which crushes the fragments into uniform particles similar to a fine sand.
Depending on the size of the deceased, the cremated remains will weigh between 4 to 8 lbs. And are usually white in color. Color variations are not uncommon and may be due to temperature variations in the retort or other factors.
Urn or Container
There are literally hundreds of different types of urns and containers available in which to place the cremated remains. Those made of bronze, marble and ceramic can be extremely heavy and somewhat cumbersome to use for scattering. However, there are urns and containers designed for the easy removal of the cremated remains and would be quite suitable for scattering. They are lightweight and usually made of plastic or thin sheet metal.
The plastic units are often referred to as “utility” or “temporary” urns as they are not permanently sealed and may be reopened by popping a lid which is snapped into grooved sides. Furthermore, this type of urn is not generally used for display. However, should a family wish a church or chapel service with the urn present prior to scattering, hardwood ‘memento’ urns have been designed to hold the plastic container. After the service the memento urn can be used by the family to hold pictures, jewelry and other personal effects of the deceased while the plastic urn is discarded after the cremated remains has been scattered. Presentation urns, which can also hold the utility urn, are available for use at a memorial or religious service. These urns need not be purchased but instead may be rented from the funeral home.
Sheet metal urns are slightly more difficult to open as they are sealed at the bottom with screws. However, they can be used for display.
A standard urn or container is designed to have a minimum inner volume of approximately 200 cubic inches. This is sufficient to hold the cremated remains of a majority of those persons cremated. However, there are occasions when the urn or container selected cannot hold all the cremated remains. In cases like these the excess is placed in a plastic utility urn which is also given to the family.
With the exception of urns with narrow openings, the cremated remains are first placed in a plastic bag sealed with a wire tie before placement in the urn. One should always look in the urn or container or discuss how it was filled with a Funeral Director or crematorium operator before scattering. This will avoid any embarrassment or difficulty one might have when scattering.
For a minimum charge depending on the location, funeral homes or crematoria will scatter or arrange for the cremated remains to be scattered for the family.
Where can you Scatter?
In this Province there are no laws governing or restricting the scattering of cremated remains. Therefore, permission is not required to scatter on crown lands or public waterways. Permission is required however if you wish to scatter in National Parks which are in the jurisdiction of the Federal Government. For example, Signal Hill is a designated National Park and permission must be received before scattering can occur within its designated boundaries. It is assumed if scattering is desired on private property the owner’s permission should first be sought.
It is ironic, however, that to date scattering is not permitted within the boundaries of local church owned cemeteries in St. John’s. This is a concern for some clergy and Funeral Directors in the area as it restricts the options available to families.
For example, in other parts of Canada and the U.S. cemeteries have set aside areas especially created and dedicated for scattering. The use of dedicated property assures the site chosen will not be developed for other purposes at some future date.
Scattering areas may be natural settings or formal gardens where the cremated remains may be scattered next to a tree or under a sod.
Some families choose to scatter in non-designated areas on land, such as, a favorite hunting spot or country cabin or in water at a favorite fishing hole or at sea.
Memorialization
The majority of materials available today about death, dying and bereavement stress the importance of memorialization or the establishment of a permanent memorial where family and friends may go to remember and celebrate the life of the deceased.
It provides a focal point for the family and becomes and important component in the healing process.
Scattering in remote areas on land or in water prevents a family member from making regular visits to the final resting place and essentially eliminates the opportunity to place a permanent memorial at the site. This may have a negative impact on certain family members. It also conflicts with Christian teaching which specifies that burial of cremated remains in consecrated ground should be the first option.
Most priests will not insist upon this rule and are, therefore, often called upon to make compromises. One such compromise is the segregation of the cremated remains into 2 or more containers, wherein a portion of the cremated remains is scattered, while the remainder is buried.
One solution to this dilemma might be to provide a scattering area or garden within local cemeteries. Scattering could then take place on consecrated ground and in the presence of the clergy.
Often individuals whose cremated remains are scattered in a setting like this are identified on a memorial plaque or wall, or a unique garden feature such as a sculpture or bench in which the individual’s name is inscribed.
Even when scattering in remote areas, family members may still choose to erect a permanent memorial, such as a plaque at a special location or placing the name of the deceased in a Book of Remembrance. A living memorial, such as a tree, suitably identified with a plaque is another way of establishing a place to visit and remember the deceased.
Commentary
Although funeral services are for the survivors, in almost every case the decision to cremate and scatter is done at the request of the deceased who made his or her final wishes known prior to their death. A request of this magnitude can be quite compelling but may distort or conflict with the survivors needs or desires.
When considering a request to scatter or making a similar request of your own, do not overlook your needs or the needs of others. Also, if applicable, consider the Christian teachings and the many options available to remember and celebrate the life of a loved one.
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