Spreading the ashes of your cremated loved one can make you feel at peace, closing a chapter in the deceased’s life and your own. As you determine where the ashes should be scattered, you can choose a place that your loved one finds very meaningful. It can be the Pacific Ocean or the top of Mount Everest. It could be the Yankees’ ballpark or your own backyard. You may want to scatter the ashes at the person’s birthplace, closing the circle of your life.

Four members of my family having been cremated, I know the dilemma of determining where the ashes should be scattered, or if they should be scattered. The ashes of one lie buried in the cemetery next to his wife’s plot. The ashes of a second fell into the waters of the ocean in front of a picturesque Canadian island. The ashes of the third crept to the ground beneath the beautiful aspens of the Rocky Mountains. Last I heard, the ashes in the room still rest in the widow’s house.

Ash scattering possibilities abound, but take your time before acting. Be aware of the legal, religious, and personal concerns involved, even if you have the express, written request of the person who left you. Until you make a decision, you can legally keep the ashes in your home indefinitely, and you may want to reserve a small amount for a monument that is unique.

Let’s look at some of those considerations together.

LEGAL CONCERNS

As you determine where the ashes should be scattered, take the time to understand the laws and regulations in your area. If you live in the United States, you will not find a specific national “ash-spreading law” in federal books. However, you will find a number of rules and regulations at all levels: national, state, and local.

Spreading ashes on private property is fine if you own the property. Otherwise, you are invading. You will be surprised to know which sports stadiums, museums, etc. qualify as private, not public property, and are subject to these regulations. You may be able to get permission to spread ashes on private property, but be sure to get it in writing.

Most national parks in the US allow you to scatter the ashes of a loved one, but you must follow specific regulations. You can’t just determine, for example, that the ashes will be scattered near the Old Faithful Geyser in Yellowstone National Park, even if that was your loved one’s favorite scene and you have precious memories. Talk to the park’s chief ranger ahead of time to ask about a permit and what areas of the park are acceptable.

As you determine where the ashes should be scattered, you can opt for a burial at sea. Consider first, of course, the specific laws within the state that borders your chosen ocean location. California, for example, does not allow ash to be scattered within 500 yards of anywhere on its shore. In North Carolina, the dispersal of cremated human remains (ashes) at Cape Lookout National Seashore attracts many mourners, so authorities regulate it well. Even ash scattering from an aircraft should occur only after it has reached a minimum of 2000 feet in altitude. Other ocean riparian states have other specific regulations, so don’t risk breaking the law. The United States EPA states that spreading ash in the ocean is within legal limits, but you must obey the ash-dumping regulations (https://www.epa.gov/ocean-dumping/burial-sea).

There are many more rules and laws, but these give an idea of ​​what you are dealing with.

Ash scattering should not result in an appointment, so as you determine where the ashes should be scattered, research the areas you are considering.

CONCERNED RELIGIOUS

Before scattering the ashes, discuss religious concerns with your religious leader. Of the thirteen (13+) religious perspectives on cremation, you will want to consider religious concerns when determining where ashes should be scattered.

The Greek Orthodox, Jewish Orthodox, and Muslim religions prohibit cremation entirely, as do some fundamentalist Protestant groups.

Roman Catholic readers will want to consider the position of the Roman Catholic Church on this matter, which is set forth in the Instruction of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith regarding the burial of the deceased and the preservation of the ashes in the case of the cremation. , published on October 25, 2016. It reads:

“The Church continues to prefer the practice of burying the bodies of the deceased, because this shows a higher esteem for the deceased. However, cremation is not prohibited,” unless it has been chosen for reasons contrary to Christian doctrine. “

PERSONAL CONCERNS

While scattering ashes has become a custom, as you determine where your loved one’s ashes should be scattered, you may want to consider reserving a small amount of the ashes (ashes).

Why do I suggest that?

An increasing number of us hate losing all trace of our loved ones and instead choose to order a unique monument that allows us to have continuous closeness with them. Cremation jewelry provides that closeness. Cremation jewelry can be a reminder.

CREMATION JEWELS

“Cremation jewelry is the perfect way to keep your loved one’s ashes close to your heart.”

So writes Mark, the professional glass artist at https://psychecremationjewelry.com/. Mark has worked with glass jewelry for over 20 years and his impressive blown work makes for a beautiful and lasting monument. I personally own several of Mark’s glass pendants and receive regular praise for their beauty. Mark’s blown glass marbles, one of which my husband rewards, are equally beautiful and durable.

Unlike impersonal cremation jewelry providers, Mark personally processes your order and creates the desired pendant or marble while thinking about the memories of his deceased loved one that you shared with him.

You receive a kit (small glass jar and measuring spoon) in which to send the ashes of your loved one. If requesting additional pendants or marbles for family members, place one tablespoon (about 1/4 teaspoon) of ashes in the jar for each memorial requested. Return the bottle in a prepaid mailing envelope along with any photos or written mementos of your loved one that you want to share. Mark returns all of these to you with your complete cremation jewelry.

CONCLUSION

Scattering ashes is still an option, but as you determine where the ashes should be scattered, you may also want to consider holding back enough ashes to order a precious and unique cremation memorial for each member of the family to treasure.