Death is a topic of discussion most people avoid like the plague, let alone have a discussion regarding Cremation Services in Seattle. Just like many things have advanced with technology so has what to do with a loved ones’ cremains. Sure, people still scatter ashes off cliffs, from airplanes, and into bodies of water, but what about something unique? Cremains can be formed into jewelry as crystals, nestled in an aquarium as part of an artificial reef, or shot into deep space.
While some people might envision cremation over an open-fire like what might be done in a Native American funeral, modern cremation is much more industrial than that and not nearly as majestic. Let’s briefly discuss what happens before and during cremation, and what commonly happens to the remains.
To be accurate, the use of the word “ashes” is not quite correct. Human cremains are not a powdery substance, but rather a gray colored material resembling fine gravel. The cremation process incinerates a corpse at extremely high temperatures until what’s left is calcified bones, which must then be put through a pulverizing machine.
Before being cremated, the body is placed in cold-storage until cremation has been approved, usually, after the coroner has signed off pending any investigation that might be necessary. Pacemakers are removed (they can explode), as well as silicone implants and prosthetic devices. The body is then placed in a flammable container such as a wooden casket, or box made of pine, cardboard or plywood.
Cremation chambers accommodate one body at a time and typically reach 2000 degrees Fahrenheit. The inside is lined with a specialized high-density brick manufactured to retain heat. Today’s cremation chambers are fully automated and adjust the temperature as needed. Back in the day, cremation chambers operated on coal and were not nearly as fuel efficient or environmentally conscious as today’s, natural gas and propane models.
After Cremation Services in Seattle are complete the family receives the ashes from the crematorium. What to do with the ashes is entirely up to the remaining loved ones. Some choose to keep the cremains in a decorative urn, perhaps even a custom urn honoring the deceased, such as a favorite sports team, hobby, or occupation. Others may choose to place the ashes in a mausoleum or in a columbarium at a cemetery.
