Scattering Ashes | Cremation Solutions

How To Plan a Funeral When There is a Pandemic Going On

COVID has canceled many things and impacted people on a grand scale. Yet, people will still die covid or not! Funeral rituals will remain one of the most important investments for many families and survivors after a death.

The aspects of funeral let people join together too morn and celebrate a life that was and is a part of who we are. Together we support each other with rituals and traditions that will strengthen the fabric of our lives. Closure! What the heck is closure? And does it ever really happen. Personally, I don’t want to close anything that has to do the love I have for people in my life dead or alive! Funerals provide the platform to move onto the many stepping stones to come. Joining together to remember someone continues the bonds between us and our connections to each other.

The pandemic has changed the way funerals happen but should not keep them from happening. There are limitations in place in some areas based on current pandemic levels. Even as the pandemic has limited access to large social gatherings, funerals remain an important aspect of end of life. How can funerals take place? What can be done to create a holistic experience that’s safe for loved ones to attend? What does a funeral look like today?

People Are Adjusting to Hurdles

While there are some limitations and necessary changes to funeral planning, people are adjusting to it. Conducting services in the current climate typically means creating ways to get around some risks while providing opportunities to come together safely in a caring and healing environment. Consider a few ways funeral planning is changing to accommodate these needs.

Adherence to State Rules

One important change comes in following state laws and local city rules regarding congregating. Especially during the early portion of the pandemic, many states limited gatherings of 10 or more people. For families expecting 10 times that number of visitors during a funeral, limitations are evident. People are also becoming more flexible and understand that we do not gather in groups the ways of the past. Many restaurants

Mask at Funerals — Don’t Forget to Mask For The Funeral!

now require proof of vaccination and photo ID to enter, why not the same for a funeral gathering?

The first step in the process is to know what these rules are. What limitations are present currently? On top of that some towns and cities have implemented local rules of gatherings. The funeral directors in your local funeral homes keep up to date with ordinances and can help guide and advise you on what can be done. They also have relationships with the different types of venues in your area not just funeral homes.

Creating a Safe Funeral and Gathering

The next step is to consider how to manage a funeral around those restrictions. Again, those planning a funeral can find workarounds to this. For example, keeping the service private to those who are most likely to feel the loss of the individual is one step many have taken. In addition, some are limiting guests to no more than 5 to 10 immediate family members.

In-person funerals may not be as readily available in many areas. Funeral providers are notified of any limitations, and they should serve as your first point of contact for information and guidance. Those who wish to honor a loved one with religious services can still do so. This is often done with the support and guidance of faith leaders in the community.

Virtual events are one of the ways many families have embraced. They allow for a very limited number of people to gather for the funeral but allow for a live video of the event to occur. Virtual events have become valuable even if people are able to gather for traditional funerals. With many being unable to attend due to their own health risks or because travel is complicated and limited, the use of a virtual component simply makes sense. Zoom is one such service available.

Some funeral homes are offering these services as a common component of funeral services. Funeral directors can help arrange virtual services that work for your needs in all cases. This allows people from around the world to come together to honor a lost loved one at a distance.

Social Distancing

Many states have relaxed their rules on funerals, allowing small groups to gather. Yet, doing so in a socially distanced manner is still very important to keep loved ones safe. Working with a funeral director, it may be possible to create numerous ways to create a socially distanced wake, funeral, and memorial gathering.

Family members may no longer greet loved ones at the door or as an entrance into the room. They may be seated in a place of honor, but the tradition of hugging those who arrive is less likely to occur.
Mask wearing has grown to be a standard in funeral settings. It allows for some level of protection.
Frequent handwashing is also recommended. In addition, many locations have set up sanitation stations to make it possible for family members to easily reduce the spread of germs.
Outdoor events, when possible, may also be an option. Instead of a family gathering and meal after a funeral indoors, hosting one outside may help to reduce some of the risks.
Skipping the in-person wake and having a graveside service is another option. These may be longer than traditional graveside services, but they may help to give loved ones a chance to come together outdoors where the risks are lower.

From live-streamed services to the use of outdoor events, funeral planning is significantly different right now. Yet, it is still possible to have a meaningful way to say goodbye in many cases.

There’s No Need to Wait

Some people early on in the pandemic made the decision to postpone funeral arrangements until a later date. It is still possible to do this. However, it’s not necessary and such delays are usually not a good idea when survivors need a place to start. There are steps funeral homes can take to ensure that individuals who have died are not a risk to those in attendance. More so, waiting does not provide families with the ability to grieve in the same way.

Having a service in a timely manner is beneficial for many reasons. However, it’s also important to remember that things aren’t going to get better – COVID-19 and other health risks may continue to create some limitations for individuals for years to come. Delaying arrangements to allow for outdoor events may be acceptable, such as for end-of-life celebrations and memorial gatherings. Yet, funerals do not require postponement.

New solutions are becoming more readily available to allow public gatherings in many areas. It’s simply necessary to find new ways to communicate and reach the necessary people. Often, funeral directors have the tools and resources to help plan events like this even when there are numerous circumstances to consider. Unlike the Broadway shows that have temporarily closed, with funerals “the show” must go on.

Does Burial and Cremation Differ Now?

There has been an upward trend in cremation, but this is due to many reasons. It is still safe for people to be buried as it has always been. Even individuals who have passed due to COVID-19 can still be buried following traditional and religious ceremonies. The pandemic should not effect your decision to cremate or bury, both are still open.

However, many people have elected to use cremation as a final disposition. One reason for this is the reduced cost another is many consider cremation more simple. For those dying at a younger age, funeral planning and pre-purchasing plots for burial or space in mausoleums hasn’t been done. Family members may not want or cannot afford to make these purchases when an unexpected death occurs.

Cremation simply fits the desires of many people today as well. The desire to have their ashes scattered is also significant for many people. In fact, it is by far the number 1 final destination for ashes today. They even design cremation urns that are made to scatter the ashes. Biodegradable urns that float and then dissolve to spread the ashes over water. Scattering urns that convert into a memorial birdhouse is actually a thing! Even a hand-held ash scattering cannon dubbed “The Loved One Launcher”.

Should You Scatter Ashes?

While many people set out to scatter a loved one’s ashes where they enjoyed spending time or perhaps in a space that is special to them for other reasons, it’s sometimes best to hold onto at least some of those ashes. Unlike a burial plot, when ashes are scattered, it may make it a bit more difficult for some people to visit and reflect on the loss of their loved one. There’s no place to “go” when it comes to needing to pay respects.

One of the options available, then, is to use jewelry to hold some of the remaining ashes as well as jewelry made from a loved ones fingerprint.

Thumbprint Jewelry — Jewelry Made with Fingerprint!

This is an incredible way to allow people to remain close to a loved one. It provides a simple tool to aid in the mourning process without being intrusive. Many families are using jewelry like this to provide several family members with a small amount of a loved one’s ashes. This may be given to siblings, children, or special friends and family members.

What to Do to Plan Your Loved One’s Funeral

As you face the loss of your loved one, know that you can celebrate their life and pay respects to them in meaningful ways. The pandemic may have changed how this happens for many people, but it’s also created opportunities for coming together in new ways.

At the heart of the process is working closely with area funeral directors. These professionals not only have the most up-to-date information regarding limitations on gatherings and other rules, but they also are working with other funeral directors around the country to find new ways to honor people’s wishes and needs in a time of loss.

This may include creating small in-person gatherings, even home funerals are making a comeback. It may include the use of live-streamed services. In some cases, family members may simply prefer a 100 percent virtual memorial celebration. They can work closely with family members to create outdoor events, including those in a backyard, at the gravesite, or even in a park. They may also be able to work with religious leaders to ensure all end-of-life obligations are met.

If you have lost a loved one, know that you have options for honoring their wishes and needs. For example, you can still plan a traditional burial for your loved one, or you may wish to elect the use of cremation if it supports your needs better right now. Remember, too, that these final memorials are meant to support the needs of the living. So, create a memorial that works for your needs.

If you decide to choose options such as cremation, consider the value that cremation urns for scattering ashes, traditional urns, and jewelry for ashes can complement the way you celebrate the life of your loved one.

When Your Earthly Remains Ride The Wind Into Eternity….

Scattering Ashes in Alaska — Places of Natural Beauty Are Often Selected

Scattering the ashes of a loved one following cremation provides a loving way to say good-bye that Americans and people worldwide are preferring as a final exit. Losing someone we care about is a right of passage, which everyone encounters at some point in life, but celebrating that life eases the transition between past and the present. When people are confronted with death many are drawn to nature and the innate instincts that we are born with. This feeling of wanting to once again “become one with the Earth” is one of the driving forces that naturally draws todays inhabitants to have their earthly remains scattered in beautiful and meaningful settings that connect us with our existence. Choosing a method for scattering ashes reflective of your loved one’s personality and the way they lived is the perfect way to pay homage and honor their memory. When survivors get together to set their loved ones ashes free, it can be a memorable experience that connects us with each others woven tapestry of life.

Ashes Mixed With Flower Petals The scattering experience compels many to choose cremation in the first place. And continues to become increasingly popular, with the majority of the U.S. population are NOW choosing this option, a number that has doubled during the past 15 years. The term to “Scatter Ashes” doesn’t always mean the same thing to all people. As they say There’s more then one way to skin a cat!) And today scattering comes in many new forms as well as traditional forms. Following cremation, human ashes are composed primarily of minerals that have been purified by fire and are ready to return to the earth. Although ashes are environmentally friendly, there are laws and some common sense that should be considered.

Traditionally, cremation ashes have been kept in an urn at home or are buried in a cemetery, sometimes divided and shared with family and friends in smaller urns called keepsake urns. At some point, descendants are left with the question of moving the urns and passing them down to new generations.

Scattering In Ocean — Surfer Scattering Ceremony

Today, scattering ashes as a part of a memorial service is becoming overwhelming choice for many. For some the scattering ceremony is the only gathering of friends and family at all! And in these cases may be the only time to join together in honor of a life lived. Planning a unique celebration reflective of your loved one, and those who remain, will create a memorable event. Gatherings along a riverbank, shoreline, the country club or in the home garden with a backyard barbecue packed with family and friends are typical. The location or locations are carefully thought out. Scattering ashes may be planned at the beginning, middle or end of the event, providing the opportunity to say good-bye while accompanied and supported by loved ones. It may also be planned as a private family affair at a different time or location.

Personalized and Meaningful Methods to Scatter Ashes

The location you plan to scatter in will often determine the method used to scatter the ashes, a scattering urn designed for each method is available (Here) and can add function as well dignity to the scattering ceremony. I personally like when multiple people are involved and allowed to be a part of the scattering. Jeff Staab, the owner of Cremation Solutions, has gathered information and methods to help family members scatter the ashes of loved ones in a manner that is meaningful and more personalized for their needs.

Biodegradable Urns For Water — Some Urns Are Biodegradable and Float Before They Descend and Dissolve Releasing The Ashes

Some Methods of Scattering Ashes

It is important to know the laws where you plan to scatter the ashes of a loved one, as they vary state to state. In most areas, you are allowed to disperse them on private property, but may have to get permits when planning to do so elsewhere.

Burial of an biodegradable urn is considered a style of scattering ashes and is allowed in most cemeteries for people who want to have a headstone and wish to lay the remains with other family members. Some cemetery’s have “scattering gardens” and offer memorials on site.
Scattering ashes from an airplane over land or water as friends and family watch from the ground is another option. If you choose this method, and plan to help yourself, it is important to ask the pilot for instructions, as more than one including me, has encountered a plane filled with ashes as the bag is opened.
Scattering urns are designed to easily disperse the ashes in any desired location and can be taken to different places. Birdhouse urns and scattering tubes are a popular choice for this method, as they replicate nature and add more dignity and ease. The birdhouse urns convert to an actual birdhouse and true living memorial!
There are many ways to scatter ashes in a body of water, including placing a biodegradable shell urn or an urn made out of solid Him
Ringing a Tree is One Way!

alayan salt melt into the sea. These urns will dissolve within hours, releasing the ashes back to the earth.
Loved One Launcher !

A hand held scattering urn canon dubbed “The Loved One Launcher” provides a celebratory launch into the air and lets you “Go Out With a Bang” Blasting you on your final journey to the four winds.
Trenching, ringing, and raking ashes return them directly back to the earth. Each of these methods can be personalized in location and by the ceremony you choose.

Regardless of the method you choose for scattering ashes of a loved one, it is important to reflect not only their life, but your own. Consider being able to visit the location in the future.

Scattering At Sea — Biodegradable Turtle Urn

You may wish to consider what your loved one would have wanted for their final resting place. Ranchers and farmers often ask family to scatter ashes over their land, people who enjoy hunting and fishing may prefer to be launched over a favorite lake, and gardeners may appreciate their ashes being worked into their soil. And its okay to scatter in multiple locations for when that is desired.

Whatever you choose to do with the earthly remains of a loved one when scattering ashes, do what makes you the most comfortable. If you plan on throwing a celebration of life memorial including a joyful send-off using a Loved One Launcher, make it a full-fledged event. Invite family and friends and seize the day!

Obama Scattering Ashes — Mr & Mrs Obama Scatter Grandmothers Ashes in Hawaii

Scattering Tubes to Scatter Ashes — Scattering Tubes Make it Easy

Cremation And The Scattering of Ashes

Scattering ashes outdoors on a piece of land with significance to the deceased is often selected by their families.

Nearly half of Americans are now choosing cremation over burial at the end of their life. It’s easy to see why. Cremation offers a number of benefits over a traditional cemetery burial. However, with cremation comes the decision over what to do with the ashes that remain. Far from being a chore, this task can be an opportunity to further honor the deceased and to leave his or her earthly remains in a place and in a vessel that has meaning, both to the deceased and to the friends and family who remain.

Why cremation makes sense today

The chief reason for choosing cremation today is cost. The average cost of end-of-life arrangements with cremation is around $6,078, according to the National Funeral Directors Association. That compares to an average cost of more than $8,500 for a funeral with a cemetery burial and vault. However, that price can be even less then $1000 if you opt not to have a viewing and you choose a simple, pine casket.

With cremation, you can skip many of the costs associated with a traditional funeral, things like an expensive casket, a vault, embalming services and, of course, the cost of the cemetery plot and headstone. However, cost is just one of many good reasons to consider cremation. Among reasons for choosing cremation for yourself or your loved ones include:

It’s kind to the environment. When you opt for cremation, you’re not tying up a piece of land for generations to come, land that potentially can be used for housing or to grow crops. Embalming chemicals can be cancerous and harm our water supply
It can make it easier on the family. Cremation can also make it easier on friends and family, especially if they live far away from where the funeral will be held. With cremation, there is no reason to have the service immediately, allowing friends and family to plan around work, community and other family obligations and shop for more economic travel arrangements.
It’s simpler. Having to make a lot of decisions in a short period of time can be stressful, especially when family and friends are grieving. Opting for cremation give us more time to carefully consider number of choices the family has to make and many of those decisions can be postponed for a few weeks or months.
It’s portable. When you choose cremation, you have a myriad of options about how to scatter or display your loved one’s ashes, many more options than if you had to purchase a cemetery plot.

A little bit about how cremation works

When you opt for cremation after a person dies, their body is transferred to the funeral home or crematorium. The person’s body is placed in a lightweight coffin and sent to a cremation chamber where it is heated to temperatures of 1,500 to 2,100 degrees Fahrenheit. This vaporizes the body and reduces it to ashes and bone fragments. These ashes are then transferred to a cremation vessel and given to the family. The average remains weight between three and six pounds, depending on the size of the person. Most states require a brief waiting period (of 24 to 48 hours) before a person’s remains can be cremated.

There are a number of ways to handle the ashes. Some people out for a decorative urn to hold the ashes and display them in their home. Others opt to house the ashes in a columbarium or cemetery. Still others have a piece of jewelry made from a portion of the ashes. However, scattering ashes is the most popular disposition of cremation ashes.

Creative ways to scatter ashes

30airAshesScattering Since scattering ashes is now the #1 disposition for cremation ashes, people are getting more and more creative with scattering locations and techniques. Using some type of scattering urns or vessel helps to make the occasion more solemn and dignified as well as making it easier to do. Below are just a few suggestions about what is available to help you be creative.

Use a scattering urn. Scattering urns are vessels that make it easier to return cremated remains to nature. With a scattering urn, you don’t have to worry about an untimely gust of wind or inclement weather marring your tribute. Scattering urns are designed to gradually release the ashes into the environment. Just a few of these urns include:

Birdhouse scattering urn. Wooden birdhouses can also be designed to hold cremated remains until they can be scattered in a favorite spot. After the scattering is complete, the birdhouse helps provide shelter for wildlife and acts as a memorial to the person who has died.
Birdhouse Urns

Birdhouse urns come in a variety of shapes and sizes and are usually made from fast-growing, sustainable woods.
Sand urn. A sand urn, as the name implies, are made of sand with a little gelatin added. They contain a biodegradeable pouch that contains the ashes and have holes drilled into the bottom of the vessel. These urns are designed to place on a favorite beach, where the rising and falling tides will quickly scatter the ashes.
Sand and gelatin urns. Sand and gelatin urns are not just for beaches. They come in a variety of shapes , colors and sizes. Like the birdhouse and sand urns, these vessels are designed to let the ashes disperse gradually as the urn dissolves over time. They can even be buried. In the ground, they will dissolve in about three months. In water, the process takes about three days.

Use a biodegradable pouch. Using a biodegradable pouch alone is another way to aid in scattering a loved one’s ashes. This decorative pouches can be buried, released at sea or kept closer to home.
Plant a tree with the ashes. Another good use of a biodegradable pouch is to combine it with a new sapling. By planting them together, the cremated remains of your loved one help to nurture the new tree for years to come. Plus, you’ll have a visual tribute to the person who died that will last for generations.
Use an ash scattering cannon.
Loved One Launcher!

This device makes it easy to launch cremated remains into the sea or the air at a site that was meaningful to the deceased, even in windy weather. The cannon creates velocity that sends the ashes more than 70 feet into the air. You can even load the cannon with biodegradable confetti and/or streamers for a more festive effect.

Where to scatter ashes

The number of places where you can scatter cremated ashes is limited largely by your imagination. While it’s important to seek permission to scatter ashes on property that you don’t own, a surprising number of public and private venues, including many national parks and sports fields, are open to the practice. CLICK HERE for Ceremonies For Scattering Ashes

National parks. Most of America’s natural parks, including Grand Canyon National Park, allow cremated remains to be “scattered” on park land with written permission from the head park ranger. Most parks require that the ashes be contained, as in a sand urn or a biodegradable pouch, so that they don’t pose a threat to wildlife in the park. They also require that you stay away from roads, any archeological digs and bodies of water.
Your own garden. Sometimes the best solution to where to scatter a loved one’s ashes is in your own back yard. If family members intend to stay in the house or other property that was important to the deceased, there are few better ways of honoring that person than by creating a memorable garden and scattering all or a portion of the ashes among the flowers, bushes and trees.
The beach and the ocean. Like parks, public beaches require permission before cremated ashes can be scattered on their property. However, if your family is lucky enough to own your own stretch of sand, you can use this property for scattering. In the United States, you are required to travel three nautical miles from land before you can scatter cremated remains.
A sports field. While most major stadiums prohibit the scattering of ashes (citing too much demand), many minor league ball parks or private sports fields are more amenable.
From the air. The Federal Aviation Association (FAA) has no restrictions on scattering cremated remains from the air, although most states have minimum altitude requirements. The wind at high altitudes can make scattering ashes from the air a challenge without some kind of assistance. (Ashes can, and have, blown back into the planes.) The scattering cannon can help make this process easier and more successful.

Cremation is a cost-effective, eco-friendly end of life decision. Honor the deceased life and memory by scattering his or her ashes in a place that had meaning in life. Using one of the newer scattering vessels and products can help make that process easier and more elegant.

To Learn About Techniques To Scatter Ashes CLICK HERE

Man Dies and Birds Get a New Home!

In the past few weeks, I learned a lot about death and cremation. I was close with my Grandpa, but was shocked to see him pass. Afterwards, I had to help my family find the best ways to honor him at the funeral. This meant arranging the burial and making the decision to cremate. We wanted to find something beautiful that accurately depicted the type of person Grandpa was.
One of the things I will always remember about Grandpa is that he loved to watch the birds. He would wake up at 5:00 AM, brew his coffee and listen to the birds sing. Before he got sick, he built a stunning bird feeder that would attract some of the prettiest birds in the neighborhood.

Monument memorial — He Would Not Want to be Here

After he passed, we weren’t sure what to do. We knew that whatever we did to remember him by had to be ecofriendly and it needed to incorporate our fondest memories of him. I did some research, since I knew he wanted to be cremated, and found perfect solution. He loved working in his garden and we all thought it would be appropriate to scatter his ashes there. We learned that special cremation urns are now available to scatter the ashes. We picked one that after the scattering the urn converts into a memorial birdhouse. Perfect to place in his garden! He would have loved it.

Cremation is a becoming more popular in the death care industry. I always thought that when a body is cremated, they had to be put in a jar and placed in the home. After talking with the funeral director, I learned that I couldn’t be more wrong. There are dozens of options available for people after they have been cremated. These options have made it possible to get a more custom funeral. Family members can also have peace of mind knowing that they gave their loved one the funeral they deserved and wanted.

Scattering ashes has become much more popular over the past few years, and it is easy to see why. The funeral director I spoke with said it is now the top choice among family members. More than half of the people cremated in the United States have their ashes scattered. It cuts down funeral costs significantly and allows us to conserve our resources.
We put together a memorial service in his favorite spot in the backyard. It didn’t take much to move his bird feeder to the side. The funeral director was happy to help us make arrangements. I was actually really surprised when he suggested a Birdhouse Memorial Urn.

I was also shocked at the quality. When I picture an urn in my head, I always think of black and gray metal urns with some decoration. The urns that I was shown were nothing like that. Birdhouse urns are beautiful, allowing them to serve as a peaceful reminder of the person. We selected a beautiful wooden urn made from a mango tree.

Birdhouse Urn — Urn That Coverts To Birdhouse!

When the idea was first brought up to our family members, not everyone was receptive to the idea of scattering. Uncle Robbie knew that while Grandpa wanted to be eco-friendly, he was also a very traditional man. We discussed the idea as a family before deciding to have an open casket service in addition to the scattering ceremony. This helped keep our family traditions alive and allowed us to pay our final respects to Grandpa before his ashes were scattered.

Our Grandpa was placed in a Birdhouse Memorial Urn for a lot of reasons. Not only was it decorative, we thought we could place it close to the feeder in the yard, keeping all the birds in the neighborhood happy. We know that he wanted to share his knowledge and love for birds with everyone, so why not create a beautiful home for them?
The memorial urn that we got was specially designed to scatter his ashes safely and effectively. The ceremony we had was very lovely, and we are happy that we didn’t have to travel far. While it wasn’t a traditional funeral, the service helped us to remember Grandpa. I still remember all of his friends and family showing up. People stayed after the scattering and shared in a social reception. It was great to hear the stories of a younger grandpa. I had no idea he raced motorcycles!

Scattering ceremonies may seem like they are difficult to plan, but they are quite easy. For us, we knew right away that Grandpa would feel most at home in the backyard watching over us, his spirit soaring with the birds. I know a friend who said they wanted to have a similar ceremony in a park. We talked to the funeral director first, who helped us make some arrangements. Honestly, we had no idea how to plan a funeral on our own.
One thing that I noticed is that people like to see living memorials and are proud to be a part of the ceremony. Even in life we supported Grandpa’s ecofriendly practices, and everyone was happy to be able to fulfill his final wishes in a way that would support his ideals. Even the birds in our yard seem happier.

Learn More (Click Here)

After the ceremony, we moved Grandpa’s bird feeder closer to his urn. We know that he would want to be able to see the birds, no matter where he was. It didn’t take long before a small pair of chickadees moved in. As the seasons changed, we saw a wide range of birds come and go, knowing that each one put a smile on Grandpa’s face.
I am glad that I don’t need to go very far to visit Grandpa. His birdhouse is a living memorial that I can see from my kitchen window. We are keeping his memory alive with a functional urn that allowed him to have a dignified funeral. It shows us that life goes on and that we can still thrive while remembering our dear Grandpa.

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Why is Scattering Ashes So Popular

The scattering of ashes is now the most popular thing to do with cremation ashes. Keeping ashes home in a cremation urn is still common, however the burial of the urn in a cemetery is being bypassed by the faster and more glamorous method of scattering the ashes to the four winds and becoming one with nature. In fact, research indicates that almost half of all Americans choose cremation over a ground burial or mausoleum. Of those being cremated I estimate that more then 60% are choosing to scatter. Why have scattering ashes become such an acceptable and apparently desirable aspect of the funeral process? I would say that one reason is that survivors can choose locations of natural beauty that are both meaningful to the deceased as well as those who live on. People are drawn towards nature when faced with a death, they want to do what’s natural and like the idea of returning to the earth ASAP! Sociologists suggest that it may have something to do with the fact that people are highly mobile now and generations of families rarely remain in the same area as they did 50+ years ago. Moreover, because the economy and job market are consistently unstable, it is less likely that a family member would remain living close enough to visit another family member’s grave for an extended period.

It Makes People Feel Good

People who have participated in scattering the ashes of a loved one say it is a deeply emotional experience that makes them feel closer to the deceased because they are doing something so personal and meaningful on behalf of the person’s remains. In addition, knowing they are fulfilling their loved one’s last wish helps them deal with the loss of that person by creating a sense of oneness with his or her spirit. For some, scattering ashes strengthens the emotional bond they had with the deceased by renewing a special spiritual bond that cannot be experienced while alive. When we allow the wind or water to embrace a loved one’s ashes, we feel deep within ourselves that they are experiencing a rapturous sensation of freedom, vibrant energy and serenity. Scattering ashes because the deceased wanted you to scatter their ashes over the sea, a beach at sunset, into the clouds or over mountains from an airplane can relieve the anger, sadness, guilt and pain of losing that person to the natural processes of birth, maturation and death.

More Affordable Than an Expensive Traditional Burial

Unless the deceased had the means to maintain a life insurance policy for 20 or more years, purchasing a traditional funeral is often left up to his or her family members. Caskets are expensive and require you to buy a cemetery plot. Essentially, people just do not have the money for a traditional burial anymore so they are choosing different and less conventional perspectives regarding funeral preparations and the location of a loved one’s final resting place. Today’s society is more concerned with the spiritual and ceremonial aspect of the funeral process and less concerned about the physical disposition of the traditional handling and viewing of the body.

The Going “Green” Movement

Green Ashes — Scattering = Green Footprint

Since the 1990s, “going green” has slowly but steadily improved all aspects of our lives; from recycling items at home, using natural ingredients in cleaning products and taking part in preserving the environment by establishing more animal reserves and protected wildlife areas. This concern over excessive land use and the destruction of forests for commercial purposes has also contributed to the popularity of cremation and scattering a loved one’s ashes. Injecting a body with harmful chemicals and putting it in a man manufactured casket then sealing it in a concrete vault, all to take up space, just isn’t cool anymore.

People are Living Longer and Making Their Own Burial Decisions

In 1900, the average lifespan for U.S. citizens was 46 for men and 48 for women. Today, it is 73 for men and 76 for women. This means that people are living long enough to make their own decisions about their final wishes instead of their relatives making funeral plans. According to surveys asking men and women why they opt for having their ashes scattered, the four main reasons for electing to be cremated are: 1) it is more affordable; 2) greener; 3) simpler to arrange and 4) personal preference. They love the idea of using a bunch of the money they saved on cremation and putting it into a grand celebration of their life in a more party like atmosphere.

Water and Earth Scattering

Specially made urns are used to scatter ashes over a body of water or landscape that come in a variety of colors, shapes and styles. They are functional in a way to prevent accidental dispersion of ashes until the scattering ceremony takes place or are tube-like and come with a cap to keep ashes safe until the scattering ceremony. Some scattering urns even convert into a birdhouse following the scattering. Ashes get spread and birds get a new home in which they may continue the cycle of life. Scattering at sea can get a bit messy because of the wind and the waves. Using an urn that’s made to scatter ashes at sea can add ease and dignity to the scattering ceremony itself. Biodegradable urns that float a few minutes allowing people to toss flower petals as the urn drifts, then eventually sinks and dissolves in the water. Ashes are held safely in biodegradable urns until they are buried in the ground or placed in water, where the urn slowly disintegrates and returns to the elements from which it came.

Where and Why Do People Scatter Their Loved One’s Ashes?

The most popular places to scatter cremated remains are naturally meaningful places that the deceased loved and revered. Beaches, lakes, parks, a favorite vacation spot or even the Minneapolis Mall of America are places where “ashes” have been scattered. Over water and in the garden are the two most popular locations. Scattering ashes from a helicopter or small plane while flying above a place that was special to the deceased is also becoming more common.

Spiritual concepts surrounding the act of scattering a person’s ashes originally come from Hindu and Buddhist beliefs regarding physical, or bodily life. The belief is that the life one lives on Earth is ephemeral and the soul experiences many transmigrations as an eternal but ever-evolving spirit. Over thousands of years, Hindu and Buddhist beliefs concerning cremation were eventually adopted by mystical philosophers, spiritual individuals searching for an alternative to traditional religions and naturalists who wanted to symbolically return themselves to the place from which they came–the Earth.

Scattering Ashes Helps People Through the Grieving Process

After the death of a loved one, people experience five stages of grief–numbness, yearning, guilt, anger and acceptance–in varying intensities. Some may feel more anger than others while some miss the deceased so much they cannot move past the stage of “yearning” towards the final stage of acceptance. Reality may not hit a person until the memorial service is actually underway and they see the body of the deceased resting in

an open casket.

Following the strange sensation of disassociation after realizing that a loved one has passed away, most people have feelings of numbness replaced by a yearning for the loved one, an almost agitated state that causes moments of extreme anxiety, panic and hopelessness. Watching the burial of a loved one–the whole process of lowering the casket into the grave and later, visiting the grave after it has been filled in with mounds of dirt–can be more upsetting than the actual passing away of the deceased. Although the belief that a person’s soul leaves the body at death dominates most Western religions, it is still hard to think about someone you loved very much as a body buried underground.

Cremation Jewelry and Keepsake Urns
–Another Way to Always Feel Close to a Loved One

In addition to scattering ashes, you can keep some of the loved one’s ashes always with you by placing a small amount of the ashes in cremation keepsake urns or jewelry pieces. Cremation jewelry comes in three different styles: the kind filled by the customer, jewelry made with cremation ashes integrated into glass beads and jewelry made from the actual ashes. After a scattering ceremony, cremation jewelry keepsakes are beautiful mementos that can help those having a difficult time with the grieving process hold onto their loved one in a symbolic way for as long as they want without needing to make an emotionally difficult visit to a grave site. This is why it’s always a good idea to retain a portion of ashes to be shared with surviving family and friends.

Jeff Staab is a funeral director in southern Vermont. A certified Life Cycle Celebrant. He owns and operates www.cremationsolutions.com and is a cremation memorial and ash scattering specialist. When he’ not dreaming up the next cool cremation product he enjoys adventure in the mountains and on the sea, cooking for friends, social responsibility and green living. He can be reached at jeff@cremationsolutions.com

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Today is Tomb Sweeping Day in China And Burning Iphones and I Pads is “The Latest Tradition”!

In China, the traditional belief is that a person’s soul can only rest in peace if their body is buried underground in a coffin. Those that were cremated or opted for another method would have restless souls. However, as time moves on, more and more Chinese are finding this belief to be antiquated. The younger generation in particular believes that a soul may rest in peace regardless of what happens to their body, and that it’s more important to respect the wishes of the deceased than it is to follow tradition. This has lead to an increase in the amount of people who choose to have cremation services, followed by their friends and family scattering ashes.

Like In The USA Traditions Are Changing

Tomb Sweeping Day

Every April 4^th, the Chinese participate in the Qingming Festival, also known as Tomb Sweeping Day. During this festival, the relatives of the deceased gather around their grave and celebrate the life of the departed by leaving offerings of liquor, food, and burning fake money. The Chinese government made Tomb Sweeping Day an official holiday in 2008.

Tradition encourages them to remember their ancestors by laying out food at their grave sites, and burning paper replicas of daily necessities, such as clothes, money, cars, and houses. This year a few new items have been added to that list of necessities: the iPad and the iPhone.

IpaCremation Service — Dead Ancestors Catch Up With The Death Ap!

The tradition – which dates back thousands of years – dictates that the paper goods can be used by their ancestors in the afterlife, and the offerings have evolved to fit in with modern life. As such, paper replicas of iPhones and iPads – which are hugely popular in China – have become all the rage.

British broadsheet The Telegraph reports that paper replicas of Apple’s hugely popular iOS devices are selling “like hot cakes” in China, as millions of people prepare to honor their ancestors by burning paper goods that they believe can be used in the afterlife

Culture Shift

Cremations are becoming more popular in China as the culture changes. While traditionalists still hold to their desire for a more traditional coffin and burial, others see cremation as a way to help out future generations. Cemetery overcrowding is a growing concern, especially among the more developed areas near the coast. By holding cremation services and scattering ashes, the surviving relatives save money. Another benefit of cremation is that it’s much more environmentally friendly, as ashes are nothing more than minerals purified by the heat of fire. Regular caskets are left in the ground to erode over time and can potentially pose a health hazard if not cared for properly. Cremation has none of these risks.

The Chinese government encourages cremation in the form of subsidies offered to those who opt for cremation services. As cremation is an eco-friendly option, the government wants people – traditionalists and otherwise – to seriously consider it as a viable alternative to burial. While traditional burial has the potential to hurt others in the future, cremation leaves no impact.

The Decision

People are chooseing cremation over traditional burial for many reasons. The most common reason is that it’s the request the deceased left in their will – and no one wants to risk being haunted by an angry loved one. New trends like biodegradable urns make cremation more and more to the environmentally friendly, those concerned about the future of the planet like the low impact cremation has on the environment as compared to traditional burial. A third reason is the expense. By the time all is said and done in China, a traditional burial can cost a small fortune, leaving the surviving relatives with a hefty bill that they may struggle to pay off. Cremation costs much less, and in some places – like China – governments may even subsidize the cost of the both the urn and the cremation services.

New Traditions

Scattering Ceremony

A scattering ceremony has a lot in common with a traditional burial, but a lot of differences as well. As with a traditional funeral, loved ones will gather at a central location and share their memories of the deceased. A priest may or may not be in attendance, depending on the beliefs of the family and the deceased.

A location is chosen early in the process. This place may be requested in the will of the deceased, or it may hold some significance in their life. For example, someone who spent their entire life on a farm may choose to have their ashes scattered over their wheat field. A golfer may opt to have their ashes spread at their favorite golf course. Note that in certain circumstances (like the golf course), a permit will be required to hold the scattering ceremony.

After the ceremony is conducted, the ashes are released. A few final words may be spoken, then those gathered watch as the ashes fly into the breeze. Unfortunately, for those not prepared, the process can be quite messy. That’s where a scattering urn comes in.

Scattering Urns

Traditionally, those wanting to spread the ashes of a deceased loved one were forced to carry the ashes in a plastic box or a bag not too different from a garbage bag with a twist tie. Naturally, this removed some of the beauty from what should be a beautiful process. A scattering urn isn’t designed just to hold ashes, but to help spread them as well. Scattering urns can be symbolic – an avid bird watcher could find themselves with an urn for scattering ashes that converts into a bird house. Some urns are biodegradable and can be set out to sea or buried in one of the deceased’s favorite spots.

Scattering Services

There was nothing the deceased liked more than waking up before the sun did then heading out for a long day of sailing on the ocean. In their will, they’ve requested that their ashes be spread over the rolling waves of the Pacific. Unfortunately, their loved ones don’t have access to a boat. That’s where a scattering service comes into play. A scattering service will help the loved ones fulfill the wishes of the dearly departed. If the family of the deceased doesn’t have the means to complete the scattering request, they can hire a scattering service.They can do anything from helping with the whole ceremony to hiring a small plane to spread the ashes over a forest while loved ones watch from the ground.

Tomb sweeping day remains popular in China as a way of respecting and honoring the dead. It is much like Memorial Day in the U.S.A. Cremation services followed by a scattering of ashes continues to grow both in China and the United States as it becomes an increasingly popular method of memorializing the deceased. Join The Author Jeff Staab On Google Plus

Cremation is The Only Cure for Doctor Oz Diet Gone Wrong

SACRAMENTO, CA — According to eyewitness accounts from Sutter Memorial’s emergency room patients, Joshua Hayes, 30, stumbled through the hospital’s entryway and his distended abdomen violently burst open. Scene investigators discovered the food to entrails ratio to be remarkably high, which prompted in-depth but expedited analysis. The lab results showed the contents that exploded from Hayes’ stomach precisely matched the recommended diets discussed by Doctor Oz’s television program, website and daily emails. More specifically, the contents contained all the recommended diets.

Dr Oz Diet Exposed — Now Known As Dr. Oz Syndrome!

Flesh, blood and Doctor Oz’s miracle foods and vitamin supplements covered nearly everyone who was in the waiting room during the time of the incredible human explosion, provoking melodramatic reactions from a majority of the emergency room patients. Head Nurse Michelle Sanders said, “I’ve never seen anything like this in all my 30-something years of nursing. The smell of acai berries, green detox ozz, humus and raspberries key tones is almost as intense as actually seeing that hunk of small intestine clinging to a wall. This emergency room looks like a combination of the ‘Texas Chainsaw Massacre’ combined with a farmers’ market.”

Hayes’ widowed and freshly single nubile wife Natalie, 28, was in the process of parking the couple’s car when the abdominal explosion occurred. However, even though she did not see her husband’s spontaneous combustion, she claimed to be sad about the situation.

When asked why her husband would have so thoroughly gorged himself on so much of Doctor Oz’s recommended diet foods in such a short period, she said, “Josh was always at the pinnacle of health. He worked out constantly and always ate well by avoiding fast food, snacks, sodas… all that stuff. I had been taking the Dr. Oz coffee bean extract and aside from the constant diarrhea and vomiting the magic elixir made my hot little body even hotter! Josh was impressed and he then discovered Doctor Oz’s various suggestions for dieting, he lost control of his ability to separate beneficial claims from reality.”

Ms. Hayes added, “He said he wanted to get every health benefit from Doctor Oz’s diets, and over the course of the first few days on the diet he ate, quite literally, everything Oz had ever discussed diet wise.”

Upon being asked whether or not she feels ready to get back into the dating game, she said that the question was extremely inappropriate and offensive; however, her body language said differently, which was evident to this reporter in between her loud sobbing and skyward questioning, asking her deity, “Why did you have to take Joshua like this?” Neither Doctor Oz nor Ms. Hayes’ chosen deity could be reached for comment.

Cremation Casket — Funeral Director Agreed That it Was A Nice Box and eventually gave it to her for free

Mrs. Hayes claimed to have an close relationship with the local funeral director and needed to now go see him about arranging for a cremation service. She said she figured that since only half of her late husband’s remains were recoverable she would be able to persuade her funeral director friend that it should be a low cost cremation service.
(Pictured Right) Mrs Hayes checks the fine detail on a cremation casket. Due to tragic circumstances the stand up funeral director donated this beautiful box.

She even said she should be able to use a smaller cremation urn to hold his ashes because there would be less of him. She thought perhaps cremation urns for pet ashes would be big enough, adding that a cremation urn for dogs might be appropriate for Josh and that she would scatter the ashes where they first met at his favorite strip club.

When leaving the funeral home Ms. Hayes maintained her fake position on dating while walking to her vehicle. Additionally, she would not answer the door that evening for this reporter, who was looking for more elaboration on how she wanted to go about dating. She was definitely home, two lights were visible in the dark of the evening: one visible in the front of the house and the other visible from some manzanita bushes in her backyard.

Every door in Ms. Hayes’ Sacramento home was locked, and all the bottom floor windows were closed as well. Although there was an open window on the second floor, there were not immediately available climbable items to facilitate entering the home and obtaining further interview answers.
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Another Beautiful Ash Scattering in The Holy Land

As cremations service continue to rise, Ash scatterings are becoming very popular. Many of your clients will do ash scatterings, and they need options. Tying into this market can produce a rewarding income stream for you.

A Scattering Service is not as simple as it may seem. There are many considerations to doing it properly and professionally. In our industry, you only get one chance to do it right. Clients demand top service.

We specialize in scattering cremation services and have one of the best scattering locations in the world. Your clients will appreciate our professionalism and first-class approach to scattering. We are the best at what we do; you and your clients will appreciate the exceptional service and attention we give you.

This is a partnership. Simply suggest us to your client during the funeral planning and we will take care of the rest. They will be extremely satisfied with the recommendation you gave them. And we will compensate you a handsome commission for each referral.

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Holyland Ash Scattering .COM — Learn More Click Here

Christians Dying To Get To The Holy Land

As 44 percent of Americans opt for cremation, questions arise regarding the ashes’ final disposition. Many people consider scattering, but they experience uncertainty when seeking a final resting place that holds both meaning and a spiritual connection with their earthly body and loved ones. Holy Land Ash Scattering offers a solution that resounds within the hearts, minds and souls of Christians: scattering ashes in the Holy Land.

Two thousand years ago, our Lord and Savior, a man renowned for incredible compassion, kindness and love, walked the earth and spread his wisdom. Jesus Christ walked, lived and taught in the Mount of Beatitudes lush, rolling foothills. How often did he stand with the Mount behind him and spread his word whilst gazing upon the serene waters of the Sea of Galilee? Imagine the calmness, the peacefulness, of sitting in such a glorious setting and listening to such an incredible man.

Now, imagine the comforting tranquility that comes from knowing your, or a loved one’s, ashes rest along the same ground upon which Jesus once trod.

However, the ashes are not scattered to the wind. Privately owned land lies nestled within the foothills of the Mount of Beatitudes. The land, overlooking the Sea of Galilee much the same as Jesus must have, exists as a park dedicated to scattering ashes of Christians seeking eternal rest within the Holy Land.

mt of beatitudes — The Jesus Trail in the Holy Land

Because this park is owned privately and dedicated to the sanctity of eternal rest, you need never fear that scattered ashes will trespass where they should not. The fear of eternal trespass rather than eternal rest is a thought decidedly uncomfortable, and this is one fear that delays people when they try to decide upon a final location on their own.

Holy Land Ash Scattering removes that fear for you; it also removes worries that the final resting place will be trampled by tourists and trespassers – this park is neither a public place nor a thoroughfare.

If, on the other hand, you or your loved one holds a deep affinity for water, scattering ashes can take place in the warm, beautiful waters of the Sea of Galilee.

Our certified marine captain will pilot a vessel only 500 meters from the coast of Israel, the Holy Land, to perform a scattering ceremony. The ashes will then find rest in one of the most incredibly scenic bodies of water seen in this world.

Regardless of a land or sea scattering, the package includes a professional video of the ceremony. Capturing the ceremony on video, provided to you as both a DVD and a YouTube link, allows you to share the scattering ceremony with friends and family. It also gives you the opportunity to take comfort in the total serenity of the sacred resting place anytime you feel the need. The DVD will remain a cherished treasure, especially among those unable to travel to the Holy Land to scatter the ashes themselves.

Unfortunately, most people find travel costs prohibit them from attending the scattering ceremony of their loved one. By entrusting Holyland Ash Scattering with your loved ones resting place, the total package gains you admission to the serene park at any time you find yourself able to visit the Holy Land. You have a standing invitation to sit, contemplate the unparalleled scenery, and commune with your loved ones spirit in a resting place befitting the many Christians there eternally at rest.

The Necessary Details

Your only requirements are to sign up for Holyland Ash Scattering, fill out an authorization form, pack the ashes for shipping according to provided instructions, and send two or three pictures of your loved one to be included in the tribute DVD. The total package takes care of everything else: applying for permits and licenses, all administrative work, the shipping and the performance and recording of the scattering ceremony. You need not worry about the nitty-gritty detail work.

If you are contemplating your own eternal rest or seeking perfect placement for the long-held ashes of a loved one, sign up with Holy Land Ash Scattering. Find peace and comfort in the knowledge that scattering ashes will take place in the land held most sacred by the Christian population.

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Wild Birds Urn a New Home!

Cremation is the fastest growing disposition in the death care industry, not only in the USA, but worldwide. 44% of the population in the USA is now being cremated and over 60% in Canada.

Scattering is the fastest growing disposition of cremated remains. It is now the #1 choice compared to other options. Those that choose to scatter are having a higher satisfaction rate than those that choose other options. We estimate that more than 60% of those being cremated are now scattering. According to the Wirthlin Report up to 59% of interviewed in a recent poll said they prefer scattering to all other options.

In the past marketing cremation scattering urns has been challenging. The beautiful selection of urns for scattering now available at Cremation Solutions fill this need for products that allow people to fulfill their desire to scatter and also ad dignity to the scattering ceremony itself.

Our brand new line of Birdhouse Memorial Scattering Urns are both functional and provide a beautiful memorial that provides a new home for our fine feathered friends. We have had nothing but praise from families who have already scattered with our birdhouse urns. Even the birds that move in are looked upon with appreciation as they are now connected to the life of the person we love.

People that scatter are encouraged by grief experts to provide a lasting memorial for their loved one. Our scattering urns are the only urns that convert into a memorial.

In a recent funeral industry poll, when asked what type of memorial people would choose, the #1 answer was a Living Memorial. Our patented line of Birdhouse Memorial Urns are the only urns in the world that convert into a living memorial.

People choose to scatter because they consider it to be a more natural way to return to the earth. Our products address this desire to be in harmony with nature at the time of death more than any others.

The second most popular place to scatter cremated remains is on the family property, especially in the garden. The most popular spot to place a birdhouse is in the garden, so you see using a birdhouse memorial urn to scatter and then install as a memorial in the garden just makes sense.

Cremation Solutions is owned and operated by Jeff Staab, a funeral director with over twenty years experience. Being a bit of a tree huger himself, Jeff is excited knowing that every time someone uses one of these new urns, that another family of birds will soon move into a new deluxe home that will last for generations.

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