Scattering a loved one’s cremated remains – ash dispersal – is a profoundly personal and meaningful way to bid them a final farewell. Scattering cremains can bring closure and peace, whether you choose a serene natural setting or a place significant to the deceased. This article will explore essential considerations when ash scattering human cremains, ensuring a respectful and environmentally conscious process.
We do many scattering at sea yearly, making it an excellent and healing experience for all attendees. The ocean setting is very peaceful and facilitates the healing process. However, there may be better venues than the ocean setting for some. If so, please review the information below so your ash scattering experience can be the best for you and your family.
Ash Scattering Legal Regulations and Compliance
Before embarking on scattering cremains, it is crucial to familiarize yourself with the legal regulations in your area. Different jurisdictions may have specific guidelines and requirements governing the scattering of ashes. Research local laws and determine whether permits or permissions are necessary to ensure a lawful and respectful scattering ceremony.
Selecting the Perfect Location – For Your Loved One
The location for scattering cremains holds significant importance. It should have meaning to the departed or represent a serene environment for the loved one’s final resting place. Consider parks, gardens, or natural landscapes that allow scattering while respecting local regulations. Remember to avoid sensitive ecosystems, bodies of water, or areas that may cause harm to wildlife or the environment. There may also be legal considerations for specific locations – check before you scatter. If you plan to spread on private property, get the landowner’s permission. If scattering on public land, get a written permission letter from the governing agency.
Embracing Environmental Considerations
In our efforts to pay tribute to our loved ones, we must be mindful of the environment. Choose sh dispersal locations that have minimal impact on delicate ecosystems. Be aware of local guidelines or restrictions to maintain the area’s ecological integrity. By selecting responsible scattering sites, we can honor our loved ones while preserving the natural beauty around us.
Creating a Meaningful Ceremony
Whether to hold a formal ceremony or a private gathering is a personal choice. Some individuals find solace in gathering family and friends to participate in a traditional ceremony, offering a space for sharing memories and saying final goodbyes. Others prefer a more intimate and private scattering experience. Tailor the ceremony to suit the preferences and values of the departed and their loved ones, ensuring a deeply personal and meaningful experience.
Informing and Documenting
I would like to let you know that communicating your intentions to close family members and loved ones regarding the ash scattering is crucial. Sharing your plans with them allows for understanding and inclusion in the process, fostering a sense of unity and support. Also, could you consider documenting the location, date, and any meaningful words or rituals performed during the scattering? This documentation serves as a remembrance and can be shared with others who may wish to pay their respects.
5 Ash Scattering Suggestions
1. Open the container
You can open the container with the ashes so you are not surprised by their appearance. They are only sometimes soft and consistent ashes. You may even find some bone fragments. The color varies from dark to white, depending on the duration and temperature of the cremation process.
The crematory almost always returns the cremains in a plastic box resembling the one on the right. Generally, it is black, but sometimes brown. The lip pops open, and the cremains are in a heavy plastic bag.
2. Are You Going to Scatter All at Once
Are you just going to scatter the ashes all at once? You may want to split the cremains – keep some at home and spread the rest. We have several online, more miniature urns called keepsake urns available to hold smaller amounts of cremains. Maybe some other family members will ask for some of the cremains too. If you plan to do several scatterings, you might want to re-package the ashes in smaller containers.
3. Are You Going to Fly to a Destination
If you are going to fly to one of the scattering destinations, DO NOT put the ashes in your carry-on luggage. If the airline loses your luggage, you will have the ashes on the plane. As well, make sure you have the correct paperwork – essential. Airport security does know that the 6 pounds of white power you are carrying is your relative.
4. Are Scattering Ashes over Water?
If you are scattering ashes over water, add flowers to see where the ashes are going, and be sure to take lots of photos. If in the San Diego area, we can assist with this as we do hundred of burials at sea each year.
We have been doing scattering at sea for years, have a variety of yachts, and handle all the details and paperwork for you. If you are doing it yourself, ensure you have the proper legal document – box 16A on the disposition permit should say “At Sea off the coast of San Diego County.” This permit needs to be returned to the county after scattering.
5. stand upwind
Stand Upwind – If you don’t think this is very important, you should watch the movie “The Big Lebowski” with Jeff Bridges and John Goodman. If they get on you, the cremains tend to stick to your skin. There is nothing dangerous in this as the cremains are not harmful to the skin, although breathing or ingesting them is probably not a good idea.
