Ceremony for Scattering Ashes
Families often find themselves to be caretakers of a loved one's ashes. What began as an emotional need to keep a deceased family member close, sometimes leads to indecision and low-level anxiety. Should something be done with their cremated remains? And if so, what's the right thing to do? You really have four choices: retain possession of them, inter them in a local cemetery, learn how to scatter ashes on your own; or hire one of many ash scattering services available to area residents.
But, how can you know which is the best service for your needs? As we are the leading cremation services provider in the region, you can trust our scattering ashes service to reduce any anxiety or concern you may be feeling. Call us at (519) 941-1392 to learn more about how we can assist you in creating a memorable ceremony for scattering the ashes of your loved one.
What are Ash Scattering Services?
Basically, a scattering ashes service is a state- and federally-regulated professional offering where cremated remains are scattered. For a fee, a ceremony for scattering ashes (following strict Environmental Protection Agency guidelines) will distribute your loved one's ashes in the location of your choice. While there really is no governing agency actively overseeing ash scattering, there are some basics you should know about scattering ashes:
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Public parks require that you obtain a scattering permit.
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Scattering ashes in inland waters is governed by the Clean Water Act. You will need to obtain a permit from the state agency involved in the care of inland water ways.
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Ash scattering at sea must be done at a location which is a minimum of three nautical miles from the coastline.
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Any flowers or wreaths used in the ceremony for scattering ashes held at sea must decompose. No plastic flowers or other non-decomposable items can be left behind.
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For a scattering ashes service done at sea, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requires that you notify the regional office in writing within 30 days after the event.
Planning an Ash Scattering Ceremony
If you are thinking about scattering a loved one's cremated remains, the information below will help you understand how to scatter ashes, where to scatter ashes, as well as support you in planning for a scattering ashes ceremony.
Such a ceremony is commonly a private family occasion but it certainly doesn't have to be. Whether large or small, a scattering ceremony can be anything you want it to be. You can bring music into the event, read prayers, or simply take turns sharing memories of your loved one. When choosing to engage in ash scattering, you will want to purchase a scattering urn, designed to disperse the ashes easily. For your convenience, we offer a wide selection of scattering urns.
Types of Ceremonies for Scattering Ashes
The common image most of us have of scattering ashes is one of a casting ceremony where the ashes are tossed into the wind or sprinkled on the surface of a lake, river, or sea. Whether one person is responsible for the casting or it's a group effort, casting a loved one's ashes can present challenges. We advise you check the direction of the wind and always cast downwind to avoid having the ashes come back to coat your clothes, skin and hair.
A floating ceremony requires the purchase of a water-soluble urn, which will float for a few minutes before sinking below the surface to bio-degrade naturally.
A trenching ceremony involves digging a shallow trench into the soil, which is filled from the urn, and then raked over at the conclusion of the ceremony.
Many families – especially those who have planted a tree in remembrance of their loved one – choose a ringing ceremony. A trench can be cut into the soil or the ashes can be sprinkled directly on the ground around the tree or shrub.
A raking ceremony involves pouring the ashes on the ground and then raking them into the soil at the conclusion of the ceremony. This can be a very effortless way to scatter the ashes and is appropriate for scattering ceremonies held on privately-owned land.
A sky ceremony involves the use of a private airplane and does not usually involve family members. Contact us at (519) 941-1392 for a list of professional ash scattering services in the area that can assist you.
