Cremation is a significant life event, and understanding the process can provide comfort and closure. This guide details the preparation a body undergoes before cremation, addressing common questions and misconceptions.
What Happens to a Body Before Cremation?
The preparation of a body for cremation is a respectful and dignified process. While the specifics may vary slightly depending on the funeral home and individual preferences, the general steps are as follows:
1. Identification and Verification: Before any preparation begins, the body is meticulously identified and verified to ensure the correct individual is being cremated. This typically involves checking identifying documents and comparing them to the body's characteristics.
2. Removal of Medical Devices and Personal Items: Any medical devices, such as pacemakers or implants, are usually removed. These devices are often disposed of according to hospital or manufacturer guidelines. Personal items, like jewelry or clothing, are typically removed unless specifically requested to be cremated with the body.
3. Dressing and Casketing (Optional): Although not required, many families choose to have their loved one dressed in their favorite clothes and placed in a casket before cremation. This offers a final opportunity for viewing and allows for a more personalized farewell. The casket used for cremation is generally simpler and less expensive than traditional burial caskets, often made of materials designed to easily combust.
4. Placement in the Retort: Finally, the body, either in a casket or directly, is carefully placed into a cremation chamber, also known as a retort. This chamber is a large, specialized furnace designed specifically for cremation.
What Happens Inside the Retort?
Inside the retort, the body is subjected to intense heat (around 1400-1800 degrees Fahrenheit). The process reduces the body to bone fragments. This high temperature is essential for complete cremation, ensuring that the process is thorough and efficient.
Are There Different Types of Cremation?
While the core process remains consistent, there are variations:
- Traditional Cremation: This involves placing the body directly into the retort.
- Casket Cremation: The body is placed inside a cremation casket before being put into the retort.
The choice often depends on family preference and cost considerations.
What Happens to the Remaining Ashes?
After cremation, the remaining bone fragments are cooled, then processed using a specialized machine to reduce them to a fine powder or ash. This ash is then placed in a temporary container (usually a plastic container) and given to the family. The family can then choose to place the ashes in an urn, scatter them, or keep them in the temporary container.
Can Pacemakers and Other Implants Affect Cremation?
What happens to pacemakers and other medical implants during cremation? Pacemakers and other metal implants are usually removed before cremation due to potential safety issues and environmental concerns. They are disposed of according to hospital and manufacturer regulations. This process doesn't affect the cremation itself.
How Long Does Cremation Take?
How long does the cremation process take? The cremation process itself usually takes between 1.5 to 2 hours. However, the total time from the preparation of the body to the return of ashes can be longer, depending on the funeral home's schedule and any additional services requested.
What Happens After Cremation?
What happens to the ashes after cremation? Once the cremation is complete, the ashes are carefully processed, placed in a temporary container, and given to the family. They can then choose how to dispose of or memorialize the ashes – in an urn, scattering them, creating memorial jewelry, etc.
Can I Be Present During Cremation?
Can I be present during the cremation itself? While some funeral homes may offer this option, it's not a common practice. The process happens in a specialized chamber, and access might be limited due to safety and logistical reasons.
This comprehensive guide offers a detailed explanation of cremation preparation. Remembering that every funeral home may have slight variations in their practices is essential. Always communicate directly with the funeral home for specific details relating to your circumstances.
