How does cremation work

Are you or a loved one considering cremation, but feeling a bit uncertain about the process? If so, you're not alone. Many people in Canada find themselves wondering, "How exactly does cremation work?"

Cremation is a growing trend in the country, as more people choose this personal, affordable, and eco-friendly option for honouring a loved one's final wishes. Whether you're planning ahead or supporting a grieving family member, understanding the ins and outs of cremation can provide much-needed comfort and clarity during a difficult time.

In this quick guide, we'll walk you through every aspect of cremation in Canada - from the history and modern practices, to the legal requirements, memorial options, and cultural considerations. By the time you finish reading, you'll have the knowledge to make an informed decision that celebrates life with compassion.

What Is Cremation?

Cremation is the process of reducing a deceased person's body to basic elements through the application of intense heat and flame. This practice has roots dating back thousands of years across various cultures and religions worldwide. In recent decades, the cremation rate in Canada has steadily risen, now accounting for over 70% of final dispositions.

Advances in cremation technology have made the process more efficient, environmentally-friendly, and accessible than ever before. Modern crematoriums use specialized equipment to gently and respectfully transform the body into ashes, which can then be returned to the family for safekeeping or scattering.

Preparing for Cremation

When a loved one passes away, the first step is to contact a funeral home or crematorium to begin making arrangements. They will guide you through the necessary paperwork and permits required in Canada. This typically includes:

• Obtaining a medical declaration of death
• Signing a cremation authorization form
• Providing personal details about the deceased
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You'll also need to choose a cremation container. This is the sturdy box or casket that will hold the body during the cremation process. Many families opt for a simple, unadorned container to minimize costs.

The Cremation Process

When a loved one passes away, the funeral home or crematorium will first prepare the body for cremation. This may involve bathing, dressing, and placing the deceased in a special cremation container. Once ready, the body is carefully transported to the cremation chamber, where intense heat (around 1,800°F) reduces it to bone fragments and ashes over the course of 2-3 hours.

After cremation, the remaining ashes are processed to a uniform, granular consistency and placed in a temporary urn or container. Families can then decide how they want to memorialize their loved one, whether that's keeping the ashes in an urn, scattering them in a special place, or even dividing them among multiple keepsakes.

Cremation in Canada: What You Need to Know

In Canada, cremation is governed by a set of provincial regulations to ensure the process is carried out safely and respectfully. Families must obtain the necessary permits and paperwork before a cremation can take place, and there is typically a mandatory waiting period of 24-48 hours between the time of death and the cremation itself.

When choosing a cremation provider in Canada, it's important to consider factors like the crematorium's reputation, facilities, pricing, and any additional services offered. Many funeral homes and crematoriums also provide pre-planning options to help families make arrangements in advance.

Handling the Ashes

There are many options for what to do with the cremated remains. Some families choose to keep the ashes in an urn, either at home or in a columbarium (a special cemetery for cremated remains). Others may opt to scatter the ashes in a meaningful location, such as a park, garden, or body of water.

Many crematoriums also offer the ability to divide the ashes into smaller keepsake urns or jewelry, so families can share the remembrance. This can be a comforting way for loved ones to have a piece of their family member with them.

Honouring Your Loved One After Cremation

Once the cremation is complete, families have numerous options for memorializing their loved one. Urns come in a wide variety of materials, designs, and sizes to hold the ashes. Some families choose to scatter the ashes in a meaningful location, such as a nature preserve or the ocean. Others may opt for a more formal memorial service to celebrate their loved one's life.

Regardless of the approach, cremation provides families with the flexibility to honour their loved one's memory in a way that aligns with their personal, cultural, or religious beliefs. Our direct cremation service makes this process simple and affordable.

Conclusion

As attitudes and preferences continue to evolve, cremation has become an increasingly popular choice for many families in Canada. By understanding the cremation process, legal requirements, and memorial options, you can make an informed decision that celebrates your loved one's life with dignity, compassion, and customization.

If you have any other questions about cremation services, please don't hesitate to contact us. Our caring team is here to guide you every step of the way.

FAQs

How long does the actual cremation process take?
‍The cremation process typically takes 2-3 hours to complete. This is the time it takes for the intense heat (around 1,800°F) to reduce the body to bone fragments and ashes.

What happens to the body during cremation?
‍During cremation, the body is placed in a special combustion chamber where the intense heat vaporizes all organic matter. This leaves behind only the inorganic bone fragments, which are then processed into a fine, granular ash.

Do I need to provide a special cremation container?
‍Yes, the body must be placed in a sturdy, combustible cremation container, casket, or alternative container prior to the cremation process. Many families opt for a simple, unadorned container to keep costs down.

What happens to any personal effects on the body?
‍Any personal effects, such as jewelry or medical devices, are usually removed from the body prior to cremation. These items are then returned to the family, unless they were requested to be cremated along with the body.

How are the cremated remains processed after the cremation?
‍After the cremation is complete, the remaining bone fragments are carefully processed to a uniform, granular consistency. The cremated remains are then placed in a temporary container or urn, ready to be given to the family.

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