Cremation is nothing more than disposing of a body using fire. Cremation has been used for thousands of years. Some cultures felt that the body was “purified” by fire and that the fire would light the way for the newly departed to find their path to the next world. It is believed that cremation fell out of favor only because there were so many pyres being built that there was danger of a timber shortage. And as Christianity grew cremation was discouraged because they weren’t exactly sure how all of your ashes and a resurrection to reunite with your soul might work out. Cremation as a “final option” is second only to traditional burial in the US. In 2004 cremation was used in 27% of all funeral services. And just because you want to be cremated, it doesn’t mean you can’t have a traditional service too. The urn or container with the ashes is brought to the service just as a casket would be for a casketed burial. Cremation is not considered a “green” service, although green cemeteries allow cremated remains to be buried in their facilities so long as the container is biodegradable.
The popularity of cremation is growing rapidly. It is more economical than a casketed burial , running anywhere from $275 and upwards, depending on what other services you’d like. Holding the memorial service at the mortuary will affect the price as will your choice of urn. And don’t think you have to settle for an ordinary urn. There are some fabulous containers available and custom ones can be made as well. Have a look around “coffins and urns” when you have a chance. There are also “ash scattering services”. They will transport your loved ones ashes anywhere in the world and scatter them for you.
My Father planned and paid for his funeral service years before he died. He had informed all his five children of this fact. I have to say he made it much easier on us. All we had to do was phone the number on the card he kept in his wallet and everything was handled except the memorial service. He wanted to be cremated. He didn’t specify what we should do with his ashes though. My brother thought we should scatter him on his favorite fishing river in Arizona. We had a lengthy discussion about this idea and in the end left Dad with that brother. I’m actually not sure if Dad ever got scattered. He might just be in sitting on a shelf in my brother’s garage among the Mobil oil bottles. I guess I need to check on that.
Cremation is nothing more than disposing of a body using fire. Cremation has been used for thousands of years. Some cultures felt that the body was “purified” by fire and that the fire would light the way for the newly departed to find their path to the next world. It is believed that cremation fell out of favor only because there were so many pyres being built that there was danger of a timber shortage. And as Christianity grew cremation was discouraged because they weren’t exactly sure how all of your ashes and a resurrection to reunite with your soul might work out. Cremation as a “final option” is second only to traditional burial in the US. In 2004 cremation was used in 27% of all funeral services. And just because you want to be cremated, it doesn’t mean you can’t have a traditional service too. The urn or container with the ashes is brought to the service just as a casket would be for a casketed burial. Cremation is not considered a “green” service, although green cemeteries allow cremated remains to be buried in their facilities so long as the container is biodegradable. 
