It’s no surprise that cremation services in Fleming Island, FL are becoming very popular. However, many people don’t spend a lot of time thinking about what happens after a cremation. You can bury the ashes, keep them in your home, or scatter them. If you want to go the scattering route, it’s important that you know and understand the facts and rules surrounding the process, such as the following.
- Decide Who Will Scatter – It seems obvious, but it’s important to make a clear plan for who will scatter the ashes, and this might not be as straightforward as it may seem. Sometimes families wish for a religious leader to do the scattering, or other times families hire a company to help.
- There Might Be Bones – Most cremations reduce the body down to fine ash mixed with coarse, sand-like ash containing bone fragments. Be aware of this fact when considering scattering.
- You Don’t Have to Scatter It All – You can scatter as much or as little of the ashes as you want. Sometimes different members of the family each take a turn scattering, or some of the ashes are kept to be scattered at a later date, in a different location, or not at all.
- Be Aware of Location Rules – Rules and regulations about where you can scatter ashes varies from state to state, and even city to city. Be sure to read up on your local laws to avoid getting fined for scattering in a prohibited place. The same goes for more unique scattering locations, such as at sea or in national parks. Sometimes you even need a permit.
- There is More Than One Way of Scattering – Scattering can mean more than just tossing ashes into the wind. There are in fact two main ways of scattering ashes: casting and trenching. Casting is scattering the ashes into the air, and trenching is burying the ashes just below the ground surface. You can also rake ashes into soil, cast ashes from an airplane, or even send ashes into space.
- Take Photographs – You can take photographs of the scattering to help preserve memories, and to have something more concrete to honor the deceased. Sometimes people regret scattering as it takes away any concrete memorial, so the photographs can be a good stand in for the ashes themselves.
- Check Wind Direction – Be sure to take note of the wind direction on the day you want to scatter. You do not want to have ashes blown back into your face. It’s not unhealthy or dangerous, just very uncomfortable.
- Private or Memorial Scattering – You can choose to scatter the ashes privately or in conjunction with a memorial service. It all depends on your or the deceased’s preferences.
There are many ways to scatter ashes and memorialize a loved one after a Fleming Island, FL cremation service. Schnauss North East Florida Funeral Home and Cremation Services is here to help if you want to learn more. Call or visit us today.
