It used to be pretty straight forward. Once a loved one was cremated, the ashes or cremains were usually kept by a spouse or family member in an urn, buried in the family plot, or dispersed at sea or in a forest. As the popularity of cremation has grown in recent decades, so have the number of options of dispersing those ashes. Here are some interesting, and increasingly popular ways to use and disperse ashes following cremation.
Jewelry
One of the earliest alternatives for using the ashes of a loved one is in the creation of jewelry. A very small amount of cremains can be used in creating a necklace, locket, earrings or bracelet. Some companies have created an industry of turning ashes into “diamonds”. This can be a powerful and meaningful way for those who have lost someone close to keep their memory alive.
Tattoo Ink
Tattoos are neither unusual or taboo as they once may have been thought. In fact, almost 1 in every 3 Americans have at least one tattoo, an increase of over 12% in the last decade. Of those with a single tattoo, 92% say they are happy with it. Knowing these statistics, it is understandable how getting a tattoo with ink partially made from the ashes of a loved one is growing in popularity. Frequently these tattoos are small and tasteful, featuring the departed’s name, image, a heart, angel or religious symbol.
Fireworks
If you are looking for a creative and celebratory way to say goodbye to a loved one, there are companies who will turn ashes from a cremation into fireworks. Fireworks are available in a variety of styles and even colors. It can be a nice touch as part of final services for a veteran or someone born on or near a patriotic holiday.
Artwork
Cremation ashes can be turned into a variety of materials that can be used to create artistic pieces. A small amount of ashes can be used to create paints or charcoal drawings.
Artificial Reef
Multiple organizations will see to it that cremains from a loved one will become a part of an artificial reef. This has become so popular, families even have a choice of aquatic locations for the cremains.
Miniature Urns
Rather than keeping a loved one’s ashes in one larger urns, some families are choosing mini-urns that each contain a small amount of material. These small urns can then be distributed to several family members to maintain as a keepsake.
Of course, dispersing ashes at sea, in the air, in a forest or on a mountain remain popular ways of disposing ashes, but always be sure to seek permission of the landowner if it is not public land. These fresh and interesting ways to disperse of cremains is another way cremations allows more freedom and flexibility when it comes to remembering a loved one. Should you have any questions about any of these options, or if you would simply like to learn more about the cremation process and its benefits, please feel free to contact us.
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