Cremation
Over 60% of families in New Zealand now choose cremation as
their preferred method.
Cremation usually takes place following a funeral service, held
either in a crematorium chapel, or in another venue such as a
church or funeral home chapel. It may be appropriate to have a
committal service at the crematorium if the main service has been
held elsewhere. Another option is for the funeral director to take
the casket to the crematorium with no further attendance or
ceremony.
Many people are curious about cremation, and there are numerous
myths surrounding the process of cremating a body.
- One of the enduring fears is that the body is removed from the
casket prior to cremation. This is not the case. The entire casket
containing the body is placed in the cremator and reduced to ashes
under controlled conditions and very high temperatures.
- Another fear is that more than one casket will be cremated at a
time and the ashes returned may not be those of your loved one.
There is room in the cremator for only one casket and the process
is carried out in line with very strict guidelines, which ensures
that the correct ashes are returned to a family.
The ashes are then broken down and placed in a simple container.
The containers can then be placed in a suitable urn, which can be
provided by your funeral director.
There is a far greater range of
options available regarding the final resting place of the ashes
than there is with earth burial. Ashes may be buried in a cemetery
plot, memorial garden or even in a family property or favourite
place. Many families choose to scatter the ashes in an appropriate
place or, in some circumstances, they may even keep them at home.
It is also possible for the ashes to be divided and one portion
buried or scattered while the other remains in the possession of
the family.
Is cremation the same for all cultures?
For some cultures, cremation is the only means of disposal and
may involve elaborate rituals. Many of these rituals involve
traditional or prescribed behaviours from the principal mourner or
mourners.
Hindus believe that cremation should be carried out as soon as
possible in order to help the spirit achieve final separation from
the body and move closer to Brahma, or a state of perfection. A
Hindu funeral service will never take place in a temple but will be
held in a funeral chapel or community centre. Upon arrival at the
crematorium, the priest will read passages from the
Bhagavad-Gita(sacred scripture). It is the responsibility of the
eldest son to operate the control that moves the coffin into the
cremator. In India, this would equate to lighting the funeral pyre.
Following cremation, the ashes are often scattered in a sacred
river or the sea, or if possible the sacred Ganges.
Japanese Buddhists also observe some rituals surrounding the
cremation process. Generally, most mourners will wear black and
will bring gifts to the funeral. The burning of incense and bowing
three times before the casket are important elements of the
ceremony. Following cremation, the ashes are not reduced and the
family will sort the bones and place them in a suitable urn or
casket. Usually the container will be wrapped in a white cloth
prior to interment.
For further detailed information on these and other cultural and
religious practices, see Last Words, compiled by Margot
Schwass.