Ash Scattering – Determining where the ashes should be scattered
Scattering the ashes of your cremated loved one can bring you peace, closing a chapter in the deceased’s life and your own. In determining where the ashes should be scattered, you can choose a location that your loved one finds most significant. It could be the Pacific Ocean or the top of Mount Everest. It can be the Yankees ballpark or your own backyard. You may wish to scatter the ashes at the person’s birthplace, closing the circle of life for him.
Having cremated four members of my family, I know the dilemma of determining where the ashes should be scattered, or whether they should be scattered at all. The ashes of one lie buried in the cemetery next to his wife’s plot. A second’s ashes floated into the ocean waters from a picturesque Canadian island. The ashes of the third slipped to the ground under the beautiful Rocky Mountain aspens. Last I heard, the ashes from the room still rest in the widow’s house.
Possibilities to scatter ashes abound, but take your time before you act. Consider the legal, religious, and personal concerns involved, even if you have the express, written request of the one who left you. Until you make your decision, you can legally keep the ashes in your home indefinitely, and you may want to set aside a small amount for a one-of-a-kind memorial.
Let’s look at some of those considerations together.
LEGAL CONCERNS
When determining where ashes should be scattered, take the time to understand the laws and regulations in your area. If you live in the United States, you won’t find any specific national “scattered ashes law” on the federal books. However, you will find a series of rules and regulations at all levels: national, state and local.
Scattering ashes on private property is okay if you own the property. Otherwise, you’re passing. You will be surprised to know that sports stadiums, museums, etc. qualify as private property, not public, and are subject to this regulation. You may be able to get permission to scatter 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 rules. You can’t just determine, for example, that ashes will be scattered near Old Faithful Geyser in Yellowstone National Park, even if that was your loved one’s favorite scene and holds precious memories. Talk to the park’s chief ranger ahead of time to ask about a permit and find out what areas of the park are acceptable.
While determining where the ashes should be scattered, you may opt for a burial at sea. Consider first, of course, the specific laws within the state that borders your chosen ocean spot. California, for example, does not allow ashes to be spread within 500 yards of any part of the coast. In North Carolina, the scattering of cremated human remains (ashes) at Cape Lookout National Seashore attracts many mourners, so authorities regulate it well. Even the scattering of ash there from an aircraft must occur only after the minimum 2000 foot altitude has been reached. Other states bordering the ocean have other specific regulations, so don’t risk breaking the law. The US EPA states that ash dumping in the ocean is within legal limits, but you must obey ash dumping regulations (https://www.epa.gov/ocean-dumping/burial-sea ).
There are many more rules and laws, but these give you an idea of what you are up against.
Scattering ashes shouldn’t result in a citation, so when determining where ashes should be scattered, research the areas you’re considering.
RELIGIOUS CONCERNS
Before scattering ashes, discuss religious concerns with your religious leader. Of the more than thirteen (13+) religious perspectives on cremation, he will want to consider religious concerns when determining where the ashes should be scattered.
The Greek Orthodox, Jewish Orthodox, and Muslim religions ban cremation altogether, 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 ashes in case of 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 greater 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, when determining where your loved one’s ashes should be scattered, you may want to consider setting aside a small amount of cremains (ashes).
Why do I suggest that?
An increasing number of us hate to lose all trace of our loved ones and instead choose to order a one-of-a-kind memorial that allows us to have ongoing closeness with them. Cremation jewelry provides that closeness. Cremation jewelry can be such a memorial.
CREMATION JEWELRY
“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 is a lasting and beautiful memory. I personally own several of Mark’s crystal pendants and get compliments on his beauty on a regular basis. Mark’s blown glass marbles, one of which my husband appreciates, are just as beautiful and durable.
Unlike impersonal cremation jewelry vendors, Mark personally processes your order and creates your desired pendant or marble while thinking of the memories of your deceased loved one you shared with them.
Receive a kit (small glass jar and measuring spoon) to send your loved one’s ashes. If you order additional pendants or marbles for family members, place a tablespoon (about 1/4 teaspoon) of ashes in the jar for each memorial ordered. You return the bottle in a prepaid mailing envelope along with any photos or written memories of your loved one that you wish to share. Mark returns all of this to her with his full cremation jewelry.
CONCLUSION
Scattering the ashes is still an option, but as you determine where the ashes should be scattered, you may also want to consider retaining enough ashes to order a precious and unique cremation memorial for each family member to treasure.
