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Cremation
Decomposition of the body in the earth (after burial) is the slow oxidation of the body tissues.
Cremation, on the other hand, provides rapid oxidation.
No casket is legally required for cremation, just a simple container, which is strong enough to hold the body. This could be a box of rough boards, pressboard, or heavy cardboard.
Some crematories accept metal caskets; most require the container to be combustible.
Cremation Choices
If the body is cremated:
Why people choose cremation
Here are some other reasons you might choose cremation:
Decisions you must make if you choose cremation
If you are distributing the remains
Some jurisdictions have laws prohibiting the scattering of remains; others require a permit. Ask your funeral director.
Also, ask if there are any firms in your area that specialize in unique ways of distributing the remains, such as a plane to spread them over a mountain, or a ship to scatter them at sea.
Think of places that were especially loved by the deceased, close to home or far away. You can walk in the woods, by a favorite lake, or on the old family farm.
Be sure to ask permission if you want to use private property.
What about using the remains to create new life, by planting a tree? Some survivors choose to mix the remains with the soil in flowerbeds and rose gardens at home. Every time the roses bloom, you will be reminded of your loved one.
If you decide to do this, however, consider what will happen if, some day, you move away.
The Book of Memories™ helps with the memorialization; any family member or friend can take advantage of this free service by creating an account and a book to memorialize their loved one.
Dying is one of the few events in life that is certain to occur, yet one we are not likely to plan for. Should we really spend more time preparing for two weeks away from work than we do our last days on Earth?