Things You Need to Know About Scattering Cremains

Are you planning a cremation service in South Charleston, WV? Whether your loved one had preplanned a cremation before their passing or you and your family choose to plan one, you will need to make certain decisions. For instance, you’ll need to determine what to do with their ashes. Will you get cremation jewelry? Do you want to bury their urn? What about a cremation bench or a cremation teddy bear? Those are all great options, but so too is scattering the ashes.

If you’re open to scattering the cremated remains of your deceased loved one, here are somethings you’ll want to know.

Cremations Ashes Aren’t Really Ashes at All

While what is left behind in the cremation chamber are often referred to as ashes, they aren’t ashes at all. After the cremation chamber process, what remains will be bone fragments that will need to be ground up to a fine sand-like substance. So these cremated remains, while often called ashes, are not ashes. You’ll see this for yourself while scattering since the texture will be more like sand and less like ashes. The correct term is, as is mentioned above, cremated remains or cremains. But the helpful staff at the funeral home will know what you’re talking about even if you use the term ashes rather than cremains.

It’s Not Illegal to Scatter Cremains – But There Are Rules to Follow

Cremains are neither harmful to the environment, nor to human beings. But while it’s not illegal to scatter the ashes, there are some rules that you need to be mindful of. For instance, you need the permission of the owner if you scatter the cremains on private property. If you want to scatter the cremains on your own land, you can do so. If you want to scatter the ashes on someone else’s land, you can do so as long as they give you permission.

Another thing to keep in mind is that you need to be mindful of where you scatter the ashes if you want to do so on a body of water. For instance, you need to be at least three nautical miles from shore and in water that is now less than 600 feet deep before you scatter cremated remains. If you’re in doubt, ask the funeral director who helps you plan.

Scattering Methods

There are different ways to scatter cremated remains. For instance, you can scatter in the air through a method known as casting. Remember that the ashes are not really ashes. So when you scatter them through casting, they won’t travel too far from where you cast it. Ensure that you’re aware of the direction the wind is blowing before you cast the cremains. Otherwise, the ashes could blow back on you, your family, and anyone else gathered for the scattering.

Another scattering method is trenching, which involves scattering the ashes on the ground. If you scatter via trenching, you’ll need to create a trench in the ground, pour the cremains into the trench, and then cover up the trench with some of the earth. People can take turns covering up the trench. Another way to scatter urns is on a body of water like the sea or the ocean. You can either scatter the ashes overboard or through a water-soluble urn overboard.

We’re a funeral home that offers funeral services and cremation services in South Charleston, WV. We not only offer cremations from our own crematorium — we’re also Charleston’s only crematorium. So serving West Virginia families and individuals is what we do best. Give us a call to speak with one of our licensed professionals. We’ll be honored to answer your questions and to help you make final service arrangements. We’re here to help.