Even with its growing popularity, cremation still brings about many questions. It somehow seems like a mysterious process that only happens behind closed doors. But that’s no longer the case, as more families choose an active role in witnessing cremation. Let’s de-mystify cremation further by answering your questions about it.
Many questions surround the cremation process. I believe that answering them openly helps you better understand what happens to your loved one after death. And hopefully, that knowledge gives you peace. So today I am pulling back the curtain to show you what goes on after choosing cremation.
How Does Cremation Work? The Steps of Cremation
It usually takes 2-4 days after death occurs for a cremation to take place, but sometimes it is a bit longer. Some paperwork needs to be signed first which can take a little time.
Four forms are needed for a cremation to occur.
- Signed contract between funeral home or cremation provider
- Cremation authorization form
- Death certificate
- Medical Examiner approval
A signed contract between the deceased’s next-of-kin and the funeral home or cremation provider is necessary. It ensures that you are authorizing the funeral home to care for your loved one and guarantees that you will pay for the services.
Each of the deceased’s next-of-kin must also sign a cremation authorization form. If the deceased signed this form themselves during a planning meeting, it helps the family skip this step.
When a decedent is under the regular care of a physician, that doctor has up to 72 hours to sign the death certificate. In the case of injury or accident, the medical examiner usually signs the form.
And finally, the medical examiner has 48 hours to grant permission for the cremation (or burial).
Once these signatures are gathered, in person or electronically, then cremation can take place.
What Color Are Human Ashes After Cremation?
Human remains are generally gray to dark brown/black in color. But depending on the medicines, medical treatments, and metals in the deceased, the remains can vary in color from green to gray to blue.
Now, these aren’t vivid colors, think more like gray tinted with another color. But metals do play a part. For example, working in an iron factory or being treated with chemotherapy can slightly affect the color of human remains.
What Do Human Ashes Smell Like?
Sometimes there might be a faint, gravel-like smell in human ashes. And some people detect a slight metallic scent. But in general, there is really no noticeable odor.
Most of us think in terms of fireplace or campfire ashes when we think about cremation. It’s natural because it’s what we know. But human ashes are not like that. Instead, they more closely resemble coarse sand and they don’t smell woody at all.
How Much Do Cremated Remains Weigh?
An average-sized adult generates between 4 and 8 pounds (2 to 3 kilograms) of ashes. That’s not much compared to the size of our bodies. But it is sometimes more than people expect when they first lift an urn. Since human remains consist of bones, they are definitely heavier than you may realize.
Are Cremated Remains Safe To Touch?
Yes, cremated remains are safe to touch. They are comprised of bone matter and small traces of sodium and potassium. Both are common minerals in human diets and are fully natural.
The cremation process destroys all organic material, so no bacteria or microscopic organisms remain.
If you are spreading the ashes of a loved one and accidentally touch them, do not worry. You can not catch an illness or disease from them. The ashes may stick to your hands a bit, but they are safe to touch.
Read: Is There Energy in Cremated Ashes?
Can You Get DNA From Cremated Ashes?
The cremation process destroys DNA. Since it begins degrading around 800℉ (427℃) and cremation temperatures reach 1,400 to 1,800℉ (760 to 982℃), DNA is lost in the process.
Some DNA testing services claim they can extract DNA from human ashes. And perhaps they can in very specific situations. However, according to Forensic Anthropology Consulting Services, in most cases, positive identification cannot be made through DNA in cremated remains.
Is Cremation Painful?
No, cremation is not painful. However, children especially may have questions about what happens. They may ask “does cremation hurt”?
Although it can be hard to talk about death, being as open as possible with children is best. Consider their age and maturity, but do answer their questions.
As noted above, several days pass between the death of your loved one and cremation occurring. So the soul has certainly had time to leave the body. Therefore, no pain occurs.
It’s important to give children a general concept of cremation and to assure them that the deceased feels no pain.
Do Bodies Sit Up During Cremation?
Yes, it is possible for bodies to sit up or move during cremation. Because of the heat, muscles contract which causes the body to move around. However, the efficiency of modern cremation chambers decreases the likelihood of movement. This perceived motion in no way indicates life or pain, instead, it is simply a natural reaction to heat.
Can You Be Cremated With Personal Items?
Yes, you can be cremated with personal items. Sometimes family members write notes for their loved ones. Or place a photo in their beloved’s hands. Others may want a favorite stuffed animal to stay with the deceased.
As long as the item is combustible, it will usually be allowed to stay with the body. Jewelry, watches, and similar items may be removed and returned to the family, as agreed.
Some items may be refused or removed for the operator’s safety and to keep from causing damage to the cremation equipment. For example, operators remove pacemakers and hearing aids before cremation.
Cremation vs Burial: What Do Americans Choose?
The National Funeral Directors Association says Americans chose cremation over burial in 57.5% of all deaths in 2021. While some of the higher cremation rates may be attributed to Covid-19 deaths, The NFDA believes cremation will continue to be a more popular option than traditional burials.
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How Long Does It Take To Cremate A Body?
On average, it takes one to three hours to cremate a human body. Several factors dictate the length of time.
- The efficiency of the cremation equipment
- The size or weight of the body
- How much body fat a person has compared to the amount of lean muscle
- The starting temperature of the cremation chamber (Is it cold from sitting overnight or was it used earlier in the day?
- The type of cremation container (heavy cardboard or combustible casket)
Read: How Long Does Cremation Take? 4-Step Process
Can Cremated Remains Be Buried With Another Person?
Yes, cremated remains can be buried in the same gravesite as another person. If a loved one is already interred in a cemetery, an urn can usually be placed in the same space. Caskets are buried six feet down, whereas urns are buried about two feet down. So there is room for both.
A columbarium is an above-ground burial site specifically designed to hold urns. Most niches can accommodate two urns so that a husband and wife can be buried together.
Whether or not cremated remains can be buried inside the casket of another person will depend on local regulations and the cemetery rules. While burying pets in human cemeteries is illegal in most states, I have known funeral directors who quietly place the urn of a beloved pet into a casket with the deceased.
Do They Give You All The Ashes After Cremation?
After the cremation chamber cools down, the operator carefully sweeps or vacuums it to retrieve as many remaining bone fragments as possible. Any remaining metals, like knee replacements or jewelry, are removed before processing the remains. The metals are typically recycled.
You will receive all the ashes after cremation. The operator follows a rigorous identification process, so you can be assured of only receiving the remains of your loved one.
- The operator assigns a cremation number to the deceased.
- A metal disc with that number stays with the deceased’s body throughout the process, even during cremation.
- The metal disc then stays with the cremated remains to ensure identification.
- The operator documents the name of the deceased and the cremation number on the cremation urn before returning it to the funeral director and family members.
Who Has Rights To Ashes After Cremation?
The decedent’s next-of-kin has the right to pick up the ashes after cremation. Alternatively, they can designate (in writing) a representative to pick up the urn.
Have A Question?
Feel free to leave a comment below, if you have another question about cremation. Knowing more about the process helps to normalize it. So I believe there is no wrong question.
Once you pick up your loved one’s remains, you have many options for their disposition. Check this article for ideas:
