Myths and Truths About Cremation

Burial services were once considered the only standard for the disposal of a loved one. However, cremation has become increasingly popular in recent years, with people turning to cremation services in Ridge, NY for the cremation of their loved ones. 

Although cremations have surpassed burials in popularity, many stigmas are still attached to the practice. Some widespread myths about cremation include that most religions prohibit it or that you can wind up with someone else's ashes. You can rest confident that most of the unpleasant things you've heard regarding cremation are just false. Here are some fallacies about cremation that you should not believe. 

Myth 1: Cremation entails the use of fire. 

The contemporary cremation method is swift, painless, and fire-free. The body is exposed to intense heat in a specially built furnace, converting it to gases and bone fragments. After the heat exposure process, the components are placed in an electric processor, which turns the body into ashes. 

Myth 2: The cost of cremation is less than the cost of burial. 

This assertion holds when comparing typical costs. Traditional ground burial is the most expensive alternative due to the price of a large plot, a luxury coffin, embalming, gravesite maintenance, and other costs. However, depending on the services you choose, what you skip, and what you can handle yourself, burial can be just as economical as cremation, if not more so. 

Myth 3: There are ashes involved. 

In the funeral and cremation industry, the term "ashes" is frequently used, yet what remains after cremation is not ashes. The official word for these pulverized bone remnants as "cremated remains." Also, the skeletons resemble coarse sand, with an off-white hue toward gray. 

Myth 4: Cremation is environmentally friendly. 

The cremation process is not at all environmentally friendly. However, there are additional environmental benefits once you've gotten past the actual cremation. The use of formaldehyde in tombs, coffins, grave liners, and long-term cemetery upkeep is avoidable with cremation. 

Myth 5: Cremation does not allow for a traditional funeral. 

Cremation does not rule out the possibility of a "conventional" funeral. The only distinctions between burying a cremation urn and burying a traditional urn are the size of the planted container and the lack of viewing right before the burial. 

You can have an open-casket visitation and memorial ceremony before the cremation; you'll only have to wait a few days for the cremation to be completed before the burial. The rest of the funeral and memorial services can be the same. 

Make sure you choose the process that works for you, your family, and your loved one. This time is not easy, so it’s important to make choices that benefit everyone involved. There are always ways to make this time easier on you and your family. Consider each one carefully and take your time. 

Every funeral home and crematorium, especially cremation services in Ridge, NY has procedures to ensure that each body is identified and the final cremation remains are not doubtful.