Nowadays, more and more people opt for cremation over burial, simply because it’s much more economical and allows you to maintain a memorial for your loved one in your home. Many people, however, prefer to scatter the ashes as this is often thought to be a spiritual act for setting one free.
If you are seeking a helpful advise about scattering, this guide will give you some ideas and tips how to do that.
Those who choose cremation often scatter the ashes as a symbolic gesture of letting go of their grief. Scattering ceremonies should be held somewhere that has meaning for either the deceased or their family.
Scattering ashes can be a meaningful and personal way to honor the life of a loved one
A baseball fan may request that his ashes are scattered at Dodger Stadium, another may opt for a “eco-burial” by having some of their ashes mixed with soil and planted with a sapling and other prefer keeping the ashes at home in a discrete contemporary urn for ashes. With cremation, the possibilities are as endless as your creativity.
If you are planning a scattering ceremony, check out these popular ways to scatter ashes from around the world.
Scatter at Sea - US Navy
Because the ocean represents cleansing and rebirth, scattering ashes at sea or the beach is a popular method in the US. This ceremony is particularly meaningful for those who served in the Navy. The US Navy offers free scattering at sea ceremonies for veterans, however their families are not permitted to attend.
If you’re looking for something a little less formal, you just need to find a body of water to release the ashes. In this case, we recommend using a biodegradable urn.
River Immersion - India
Cremation is the preferred practice for Hindus in India. According to Hindu tradition, the ashes must be immersed in the holy Ganges River. The immersion is believed to release the soul to eventually be reborn, while representing union with nature.
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Trip Around the World
Grief is often a paralysing and debilitating feeling, which is why travelling can be so powerful. A recent trend in travelling the world to scatter the ashes of a loved one has become a beautiful scattering practice. You may choose to spread ashes at some of your loved one’s favourite locations, or places they always wanted to visit. The US National Parks system even has their own scattering program.
They also have various regulations, therefore, contacting the National Parks Service would be the best bet for gathering information on the one in which you’re interested.
Scattered from Air - India
The assassination of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi left a nation heartbroken. After a traditional Hindu cremation, Indira’s son scattered her ashes over the stunning landscape of the Himalayan Mountains that she loved so much. Now this practice has spread in popularity around the world, as it allows the family a beautiful moment over a beloved landscape while scattering ashes.
This method has become more popular over the past few years. Your loved one may have been an army pilot, or they simply wanted to be scattered from up high. Drone scattering may also be an option.
Casting Cremation Ashes
This is probably what comes to mind when thinking about scattering ashes.
It’s performed either by hand or with a scattering tube.
If you're thinking of casting or scattering ashes, be aware that cremains are much heavier than what most people think of as "ashes." This means that, while some of the cremains will float away in the air, some of the remains may simply fall.
Because some of the cremains will float away, it's a good idea to have any guests stand upwind, so they don't accidentally get in the ashes' path.
Trenching Ashes
This procedure involves digging a small trench of fairly shallow depth in the ground or on the beach. The cremains are then put into the small trench and the dirt or sand is pushed over the ashes.
The ritual can be performed at night with candles or with the mourners circled around the area. Another interesting approach is to do this close to the sea so that the tide will come in and eventually take cremains away.
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Get Creative
Whether you want to scatter ashes around the world, hold them in a keepsake ceramic urn, host an “eco-burial,” or any combination of the above, this list of fascinating scattering practices should inspire you to put together a grief ritual that helps you heal.
You can scatter ashes from a special container, such as a biodegradable urn, a personalized scattering urn, or a container that represents your loved one's hobbies or interests.
Remember, it's important to check with local laws and regulations before scattering ashes in public spaces.
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