Losing a loved one is one of the most difficult experiences in life. You may feel overwhelmed by grief, confusion, and uncertainty. You may also wonder what to do with their ashes after cremation. Cremation is a common and respectful way of handling the remains of the deceased, but it also leaves you with a decision to make. How can you honor your loved one’s ashes in a way that reflects their personality, beliefs, and wishes? How can you find comfort and closure in the process?
There is no right or wrong answer to these questions. There are many options and ideas for what to do with ashes after cremation, and each one has its own advantages and disadvantages. Some people may prefer to keep the ashes in an urn at home, while others may choose to scatter them in a special place. Some people may opt for a traditional burial or interment, while others may look for alternative or creative ways to use the ashes. Some people may follow the customs and rituals of their culture or religion, while others may create their own personal and unique memorial.
In this article, we will explore some of the most common and popular options for what to do with ashes after cremation. We will also provide some tips and advice on how to choose the best option for you and your loved one. We hope that this guide will help you find the most meaningful and respectful way to honor your loved one’s ashes and cherish their memory forever.
Keep the Ashes in an Urn
One of the simplest and most common options for what to do with ashes after cremation is to keep them in an urn. An urn is a container that is designed to hold the ashes securely and elegantly. You can choose from a wide range of urns, depending on your budget, taste, and preference. You can also personalize the urn with your loved one’s name, photo, or a meaningful message.
Keeping the ashes in an urn allows you to have your loved one close to you at all times. You can place the urn in your home, in a place where you can see it and feel their presence. You can also take the urn with you if you move to a new location, or travel with it if you wish. However, you should also consider the emotional and practical implications of keeping the ashes in an urn. You may feel comforted by having the urn, but you may also feel burdened by the responsibility of caring for it. You may also face some challenges if you want to share the ashes with other family members or friends, or if you want to change your mind later.
Scatter the Ashes in a Special Place as River or Sea (ลอยอังคาร)
Another popular option for what to do with ashes after cremation is to scatter them in a special place. This can be a place where your loved one enjoyed spending time, where they had a memorable experience, or where they felt a connection to nature or spirituality. Scattering the ashes can be a symbolic and cathartic way of saying goodbye to your loved one and letting them go. You can also invite other family members or friends to join you in the scattering ceremony, and share your memories and emotions.
Scattering the ashes in a special place can give you a sense of closure and peace, and also a way to honor your loved one’s wishes and personality. However, you should also be aware of the legal and environmental regulations that may apply to the place where you want to scatter the ashes. You may need to obtain permission from the landowner, the local authority, or the religious institution before you scatter the ashes. You may also need to consider the impact of the ashes on the ecosystem and the wildlife, and choose a biodegradable container or a scattering device that minimizes the environmental footprint.
One of the most popular and meaningful ways to honor your loved one’s ashes after cremation is to scatter them at the river or sea ลอยอังคาร. This can be a way of expressing your love and gratitude, as well as letting go and finding peace. Scattering the ashes at the river can also symbolize the flow of life, the cycle of nature, and the connection to the source. However, before you choose this option, you should also consider some important factors, such as the legal and environmental regulations, the location and timing, and the ceremony and participants. In this article, we will guide you through the process of scattering the ashes at the river, and help you make it a memorable and respectful experience.
Bury or Inter the Ashes in a Cemetery or a Columbarium
A third common option for what to do with ashes after cremation is to bury or inter them in a cemetery or a columbarium. A cemetery is a place where the dead are buried, usually in a grave or a plot. A columbarium is a place where the ashes are stored, usually in a niche or a vault. Both options provide a permanent and dignified resting place for your loved one’s ashes, and also a place where you can visit them and pay your respects. You can also mark the burial or interment site with a headstone, a plaque, or a monument, and decorate it with flowers, candles, or other items.
Burying or interring the ashes in a cemetery or a columbarium can offer you a sense of tradition and continuity, and also a way to follow the customs and rituals of your culture or religion. However, you should also consider the cost and availability of the burial or interment option, as well as the maintenance and accessibility of the site. You may need to pay a fee for the purchase and upkeep of the grave, plot, niche, or vault, and also for the funeral service and the memorial marker. You may also face some difficulties if you want to relocate or visit the site, especially if it is far away or in a different country.
Turn the Ashes into Jewelry or Other Keepsakes
A fourth option for what to do with ashes after cremation is to turn them into jewelry or other keepsakes. This is a way of transforming the ashes into something tangible and beautiful, that you can wear or display as a reminder of your loved one. You can choose from a variety of jewelry.
Conclusion: there are different cultural or religious considerations when dealing with cremation ashes. Some religions, such as Hinduism and Buddhism, encourage or mandate cremation, while others, such as Islam and Eastern Orthodox Christianity, prohibit or discourage it. Some religions, such as Catholicism and Judaism, have changed their views on cremation over time and have become more accepting of it. Some religions, such as Anglicanism and Methodism, have no specific rules or preferences on cremation.
The choice of cremation may also depend on the customs and traditions of the deceased’s family, community, or country. Some people may choose to keep the ashes in an urn, scatter them in a special place, bury or inter them in a cemetery or a columbarium, or turn them into jewelry or other keepsakes. Each option may have its own advantages and disadvantages, as well as legal and environmental implications.