If you’ve never sought cremation services before, chances are, you probably only know it as an alternative to traditional burials. Well, there’s a lot more to cremation services, hence why it’s become such a popular choice. In fact, according to NFDA’s 2020 report, cremation rates in the United States had risen by 8.1% between 2015 and 2020, surpassing traditional burials. However, despite this growing acceptance, various myths about cremation continue to spread, deterring people from choosing cremation. For this reason, Florida Family Cremations decided to debunk the most common cremation misconceptions decisively.
Dispelling Common Cremation Misconceptions
1. It’s illegal to scatter your loved one’s ashes
Florida’s state laws do not restrict where you may store or scatter your loved one’s remains. Also, cremated remains present no health risk. One thing to note is that the law is different in every state. Typically, the local government lists the public spaces where you can scatter ashes. And, if you decide that you would rather spread these ashes on private property—this option is allowed. However, you must first receive written permission from the landowner.
2. The cremation process results in actual ashes
While it is true that everyone calls the cremated remains “ashes,” what you’ll receive is bone fragments. Once incinerated, the human remains appear gray and have a sand-like texture, so they mimic ashes.
3. You could end up receiving the wrong cremated remains
Some people refrain from seeking cremation services because of the fear that their loved one’s remains could get mixed up with others. First, you should know that Family Florida Cremations follows the NFDA and ICCFA guidelines.
Also, for you and everyone else’s peace of mind, your family must identify and sign off on the remains to be cremated. Additionally, the crematorium will mark the cremation casket to ensure your family receives the proper ashes.
4. Cremation goes against religious beliefs
While Islam and Judaism forbid cremation, other mainstream religions now accept this process. For instance, the protestant and catholic churches began allowing cremation services in 1963, although they still prefer the traditional burial.
5. Cremation involves setting the deceased on fire
One of the biggest cremation misconceptions is that cremation uses fire to reduce the body to ashes. Before cremation, the cremation chamber is preheated anywhere between 1400 and 1800 Fahrenheit. It is this heat that breaks down the body from the skin to the hair leaving bone fragments. These bone fragments are then left to cool before getting transferred into a cremulator where they are ground into “ashes.”
6. Choosing cremation prevents you from having a traditional funeral
This is yet another common misconception that deters people from choosing cremation services. Choosing cremation does not prevent you from giving your loved one a proper sendoff. Most funeral homes will recommend holding a funeral service either before or after the cremation. If you choose the former, this will allow family members to view the deceased before they are cremated.
Florida Family Cremations is here to help
Choosing cremation provides you with many options for how you choose to remember your loved one. Florida Family Cremations are willing to help you make funeral arrangements and answer all your questions regarding the entire process. Are you interested in knowing more about how cremation works? Please feel free to contact us at (727) 223-5911 today for a free consultation and to learn about our cremation services for veterans.