Scattering the Ashes
Paying Tribute to a Loved Ones Life
Scattering the ashes of a loved one can and should be a sacred and special occasion. It should be something that truly honors the life he or she lived and touches the lives of those who participate.
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Scattering the Ashes of a Loved One
Scattering ashes of a loved one is often thought to be a spiritual thing – a setting one free. It offers an opportunity to memorialize a loved one in a way that is unique only to him or her. This article will guide you through everything you should know if you’re looking for help with the scattering of ashes. We’ll go through all of the possibilities, such as the very best places and ways of the scattering. We will also discuss the legal aspects and a few ideas and creative ways you might like to consider.
Where you should Spread Ashes: Best Areas and Ideas
Following the cremation, there is almost a limitless number of places you can scatter the ashes. It all depends on your resources, your creativity and your willingness to go and do.
Listed below are a few of the most popular, which will hopefully stimulate your own thinking as to the ideal location for your special loved one’s ashes.
Scattering at Sea…
Scattering ashes in the ocean is an extremely popular method. There are a number of ways of proceeding. Even though you may think of simply dumping the ashes from an urn into a body of water from your motorboat, there may be other options.
Employing a company. Many don’t realize that there’s several boat companies that are available that are experts in ocean scattering rituals. You may want to find and hire it done. They do it all with great respect and you will, no doubt, be pleased with the process.
Performing it oneself. If you’re going for simple and you just need to determine which body of water you want to use for the dissemination. We suggest utilizing a biodegradable urn for water, placing the ashes inside, and allowing the entire unit to float away and, eventually disintegrate. This method is far more ‘dignified’ than simply dumping the ashes.
On Private Property
You may want to scatter the cremains on the property where you or a member of the family live. This could provide comfort and a perception that their character remains there caring for the family unit.
Perhaps your loved one had a favorite place to hunt or fish or sit quietly reading. Those are certainly appropriate places.
Maybe he or she enjoyed walking through a meadow or a woods or field. All of those work well.
In most cases there is no problem spreading ashes on private property so long as permission is granted.
On Public Property
Your loved one may have loved a park or ball diamond or soccer field. Those are appropriate as well. Many people ask that their ashes be spread in a favorite national park. All of these are possibilities so long as you do a little research or make phone calls to find out what restrictions and laws are in place to permit or restrict your activities.
Scattering Gardens
Normally located in a crematorium or cemetery, these charming gardens are set aside specifically for the scattering of ashes. Many families opt to experience a memorial services at the scattering. Scattering Gardens are designed for exactly those desires. Many have celebrants on staff who can assist in the ceremony. Some even offer plants and flowers in your loved ones name planted or plaques or statues or some other memorials representing the inclusion of the loved one that is placed there, although every center differs.
Aerial scattering
This method has become increasingly popular over the past few years. Your loved one may have been a pilot, or they simply talked about being scattered from above over a large area below. There are numerous aircraft pilots who now focus on this procedure. Distributing cremains from an airplane is a bit tricky in that the ashes will often blow back into the cockpit and all over the passengers. For this reason, most pilots use a special apparatus coupled to the aircraft, which efficiently scatters the ashes at the requested location.
Drone scattering
We continually hear about drones these days and all the possibilities. Why shouldn’t it be applied at the scattering of ashes? This is another solution to not getting cremains blown back into your face. Drones can carry out the spreading as friends and relatives watch while standing on the ground. It’s even possible to get photos of the scattering from above or live video.
Methods for Scattering Ashes
Below are a few of the distinct modes of scattering ashes in addition to the versions we have reviewed thus far:
Casting Ashes
This is probably what comes up most often when thinking of scattering ashes. It is done either hand or having a scattering urn (search online for purchasing a scattering urn).
Trenching Ashes
Limited only by your creativity, this involves digging a trench of fairly shallow level in the earth or fine sand. It may be a straight trench or in any layout you would like. The ashes are then poured in the region along with the earth or sand and a rake is used to cover the ashes with the dirt or sand that has been removed. This could be done with all the mourners circled round the area. At nighttime, with candle light, would also have a special effect. One other possibility is to do this in close proximity to a body of water so that the tide comes in and gradually carries the ashes out.
Ringing Ashes
This is the of scattering of the ashes around a physical object, just as the name infers. The object can be a shrub, special mementos belonging to the deceased or possibly a memorial that marks the area of the scattering. This could entail all of the mourners stepping inside the circle or one at a time, and saying something about the lost loved one. Yet again, this will depend on your own inspirations or just how the deceased may have expressed his or her desires.
Eco-friendly Burial
This could be an appropriate method for a loved one who had a great concern for the environment and wished to be sensitive to our earth. Eco-friendly burials are available in various forms. Often times, the cremains are buried within a bio-degradable urn that may easily break down within the soil. Some go further and add a plant that may expand from the buried ashes.
Tree Urns
It is even possible to turn ashes into a tree. These tree urn products include the plant seeds and everything you need to grow a tree.
Is it Legal to Scatter Ashes?
Generally, yes. In other situations, permission plus some documents may be needed. The legalities and rules depend on which approaches you take and where you live. Conditions and local laws may vary. As a result, you need to check with the town and state polices in which the scattering is to take place.
National Parks
Several national parks allow scattering as long as you gain consent upfront. They likewise have different stipulations. Consequently, getting in touch with the National Park system and asking is definitely the best policy for getting information.
At Sea or In Lakes or Rivers
Here again, it is suggested to look into government regulations, especially if it may be near a water supply. In the event, if the ashes are to be left in an urn, it must be bio-degradable. A few laws may include scattering a certain distance from the shoreline. On inland waterways, it is possible to sometimes spread the cremains so long as you have permission in advance. For that reason, it is wise to do some groundwork well in advance to guarantee you’re not breaking any laws and regulations.
Sound Advice for Scattering
Although we’ve given many details and suggestions about scattering ashes, many things remaining unsaid. It is best to be well informed about surprises that may occur. Tré Miller Rodríguez has an excellent article on some of these surprises to look out for.
Take the time to think about what you are doing.
It is typical for many people to rush into scattering without stopping to think it all through. Stop to consider that, once they are dispersed, you can’t ever undo what you’ve done. It may be wise to distribute only a part of the ashes in the event you discover yet another perfect location in the future. Or another relative may later express that they wanted to be a part.
The Transporting of Human Ashes
When you must fly or give the cremains to someone else for scattering, package the cremains in carry on suitcases. Keep in mind that luggage becomes lost…frequently. From time to time, these are never retrieved. For most of us, that would be devastating.
Be sure you take photographs or videos. Some people will be unable to attend but would like to be there later in absentia.
Make sure to consider the blowing of the wind. You’re not interested in making it onto America’ Funniest Home Videos.
Once the ash scattering is complete, it’s typical to leave some kind of marker or symbol. This is to mark the area of where the ashes were dispersed, representing that they had a life on earth.
Ceremony for Scattering Ashes
The ceremony is designed for those in attendance to think about how much the loved one meant to you as a group and each one individually. A memorial service of some kind is a meaningful touch.
Prayers and Songs … and Memories
Songs and prayers are often desired as you say a final farewell, but more important is the expressions of love and loss and appreciation for the one who you’ve lost. Allow time for those things and the scattering ceremony, whatever form it takes, will be lovely and meaningful and helpful to those who attend.
Scattering ashes of a loved one is often thought to be a spiritual thing – a setting one free. It offers an opportunity to memorialize a loved one in a way that is unique only to him or her. This article will guide you through everything you should know if you’re looking for help with the scattering of ashes. We’ll go through all of the possibilities, such as the very best places and ways of the scattering. We will also discuss the legal aspects and a few ideas and creative ways you might like to consider.
Where you should Spread Ashes: Best Areas and Ideas
Following the cremation, there is almost a limitless number of places you can scatter the ashes. It all depends on your resources, your creativity and your willingness to go and do.
Listed below are a few of the most popular, which will hopefully stimulate your own thinking as to the ideal location for your special loved one’s ashes.
Scattering at Sea…
Scattering ashes in the ocean is an extremely popular method. There are a number of ways of proceeding. Even though you may think of simply dumping the ashes from an urn into a body of water from your motorboat, there may be other options.
Employing a company. Many don’t realize that there’s several boat companies that are available that are experts in ocean scattering rituals. You may want to find and hire it done. They do it all with great respect and you will, no doubt, be pleased with the process.
Performing it oneself. If you’re going for simple and you just need to determine which body of water you want to use for the dissemination. We suggest utilizing a biodegradable urn for water, placing the ashes inside, and allowing the entire unit to float away and, eventually disintegrate. This method is far more ‘dignified’ than simply dumping the ashes.
On Private Property
You may want to scatter the cremains on the property where you or a member of the family live. This could provide comfort and a perception that their character remains there caring for the family unit.
Perhaps your loved one had a favorite place to hunt or fish or sit quietly reading. Those are certainly appropriate places.
Maybe he or she enjoyed walking through a meadow or a woods or field. All of those work well.
In most cases there is no problem spreading ashes on private property so long as permission is granted.
On Public Property
Your loved one may have loved a park or ball diamond or soccer field. Those are appropriate as well. Many people ask that their ashes be spread in a favorite national park. All of these are possibilities so long as you do a little research or make phone calls to find out what restrictions and laws are in place to permit or restrict your activities.
Scattering Gardens
Normally located in a crematorium or cemetery, these charming gardens are set aside specifically for the scattering of ashes. Many families opt to experience a memorial services at the scattering. Scattering Gardens are designed for exactly those desires. Many have celebrants on staff who can assist in the ceremony. Some even offer plants and flowers in your loved ones name planted or plaques or statues or some other memorials representing the inclusion of the loved one that is placed there, although every center differs.
Aerial scattering
This method has become increasingly popular over the past few years. Your loved one may have been a pilot, or they simply talked about being scattered from above over a large area below. There are numerous aircraft pilots who now focus on this procedure. Distributing cremains from an airplane is a bit tricky in that the ashes will often blow back into the cockpit and all over the passengers. For this reason, most pilots use a special apparatus coupled to the aircraft, which efficiently scatters the ashes at the requested location.
Drone scattering
We continually hear about drones these days and all the possibilities. Why shouldn’t it be applied at the scattering of ashes? This is another solution to not getting cremains blown back into your face. Drones can carry out the spreading as friends and relatives watch while standing on the ground. It’s even possible to get photos of the scattering from above or live video.
Methods for Scattering Ashes
Below are a few of the distinct modes of scattering ashes in addition to the versions we have reviewed thus far:
Casting Ashes
This is probably what comes up most often when thinking of scattering ashes. It is done either hand or having a scattering urn (search online for purchasing a scattering urn).
Trenching Ashes
Limited only by your creativity, this involves digging a trench of fairly shallow level in the earth or fine sand. It may be a straight trench or in any layout you would like. The ashes are then poured in the region along with the earth or sand and a rake is used to cover the ashes with the dirt or sand that has been removed. This could be done with all the mourners circled round the area. At nighttime, with candle light, would also have a special effect. One other possibility is to do this in close proximity to a body of water so that the tide comes in and gradually carries the ashes out.
Ringing Ashes
This is the of scattering of the ashes around a physical object, just as the name infers. The object can be a shrub, special mementos belonging to the deceased or possibly a memorial that marks the area of the scattering. This could entail all of the mourners stepping inside the circle or one at a time, and saying something about the lost loved one. Yet again, this will depend on your own inspirations or just how the deceased may have expressed his or her desires.
Eco-friendly Burial
This could be an appropriate method for a loved one who had a great concern for the environment and wished to be sensitive to our earth. Eco-friendly burials are available in various forms. Often times, the cremains are buried within a bio-degradable urn that may easily break down within the soil. Some go further and add a plant that may expand from the buried ashes.
Tree Urns
It is even possible to turn ashes into a tree. These tree urn products include the plant seeds and everything you need to grow a tree.
Is it Legal to Scatter Ashes?
Generally, yes. In other situations, permission plus some documents may be needed. The legalities and rules depend on which approaches you take and where you live. Conditions and local laws may vary. As a result, you need to check with the town and state polices in which the scattering is to take place.
National Parks
Several national parks allow scattering as long as you gain consent upfront. They likewise have different stipulations. Consequently, getting in touch with the National Park system and asking is definitely the best policy for getting information.
At Sea or In Lakes or Rivers
Here again, it is suggested to look into government regulations, especially if it may be near a water supply. In the event, if the ashes are to be left in an urn, it must be bio-degradable. A few laws may include scattering a certain distance from the shoreline. On inland waterways, it is possible to sometimes spread the cremains so long as you have permission in advance. For that reason, it is wise to do some groundwork well in advance to guarantee you’re not breaking any laws and regulations.
Sound Advice for Scattering
Although we’ve given many details and suggestions about scattering ashes, many things remaining unsaid. It is best to be well informed about surprises that may occur. Tré Miller Rodríguez has an excellent article on some of these surprises to look out for.
Take the time to think about what you are doing.
It is typical for many people to rush into scattering without stopping to think it all through. Stop to consider that, once they are dispersed, you can’t ever undo what you’ve done. It may be wise to distribute only a part of the ashes in the event you discover yet another perfect location in the future. Or another relative may later express that they wanted to be a part.
The Transporting of Human Ashes
When you must fly or give the cremains to someone else for scattering, package the cremains in carry on suitcases. Keep in mind that luggage becomes lost…frequently. From time to time, these are never retrieved. For most of us, that would be devastating.
Be sure you take photographs or videos. Some people will be unable to attend but would like to be there later in absentia.
Make sure to consider the blowing of the wind. You’re not interested in making it onto America’ Funniest Home Videos.
Once the ash scattering is complete, it’s typical to leave some kind of marker or symbol. This is to mark the area of where the ashes were dispersed, representing that they had a life on earth.
Ceremony for Scattering Ashes
The ceremony is designed for those in attendance to think about how much the loved one meant to you as a group and each one individually. A memorial service of some kind is a meaningful touch.
Prayers and Songs … and Memories
Songs and prayers are often desired as you say a final farewell, but more important is the expressions of love and loss and appreciation for the one who you’ve lost. Allow time for those things and the scattering ceremony, whatever form it takes, will be lovely and meaningful and helpful to those who attend.
Tags: Eulogy, eulogy writing, write a eulogy, scattering ashes, cremains, scattering cremains, cremation, spreading ashes, honoring a loved one, where to scatter ashes, is scattering ashes legal, legalities of scattering ashes, is scattering ashes at a national park legal