Cremation Blog

Many people find comfort in doing things the same way as their parents and grandparents did. They make peanut clusters at Christmas because “that’s what grandma always did.” Each bride in the family wears the same strand of pearls at her wedding because it is an important family heirloom. Some families even plan the same types of funerals for their deceased loved ones, generation after generation. 

You may feel uncomfortable about the idea of cremation if you come from a family that has always chosen burial as an end-of-life option, but it is not as scary as you think. The purpose of this blog is to educate you about the cremation process. We will tell you a bit about the history of cremation in the U.S. and explain the science involved in the process. We also intend to reassure you that whether or not your family has chosen cremation for their loved ones in the past, it is a loving and environmentally-friendly way to say goodbye to someone you love. 

It’s no secret that cremation is gaining in popularity and continues to outpace traditional burials. According to the National Funeral Director’s Association, the percentage of people choosing cremation is expected to surpass 70% by the year 2040, while conventional burials will decrease to around 16%. But why the shift and will conventional burials become a thing of the past? In this article, we’ll take a closer look at why cremation is becoming more widespread and why traditional burials will always be appealing to some. 

As cremation has grown in popularity so too have a host of cremation-related trends. As we embark on 2024, here are the top cremation trends that can give you a unique way to memorialize your loved one.

Neolithic people developed the art of tattooing. One of the first forms of tattooing was scarification. The process involved ripping the skin with pointy objects then filling the resulting gashes with dirt or ashes. Because of the pain and effort involved in the process, many ancient people believed tattoos energized sacred life forces. Eventually, tattooing transformed into the method we know today.

Some work from the olden days lingers on, revealing the hopes and dreams of a time and people we can only study and imagine. Such revelations continue to inspire modern tattoos.

Cost-cutting with a do-it-yourself cremation method qualifies as beyond bad. It’s terrible because of the work involved. It’s dangerous. And in many places, it’s illegal.

In the Chinese province of Zhejiang, two brothers recently tried to save money by cremating their father’s body. They transported the deceased to a local dump, where they torched the body with gasoline then left it to burn. The Chinese authorities took the brothers into custody for unlawful disposal of a human body.

Cremation is one of the fastest growing alternative burial methods in the country. Yet, most people are not aware of the cremation laws and rules that must be followed when cremating a loved one. In this article, we’ll discuss some frequently asked questions to guide you through the process.

It is important to note that there are specific licensing and operational requirements to be considered an authorized crematory. State and local laws also govern who can authorize a cremation for a deceased family member and how long after death a cremation can be performed. Philadelphia cremation laws and rules offer a many options and considerations for cremating a loved one.

Who Can Choose Cremation As a Form of Burial?

Only the person considered to be the next-of-kin can authorize cremation. In some states, this person is referred to as the “authorizing agent.” The official process to authorize a cremation begins with signing of a declaration for disposition form by the next-of-kin.

Do Cremation Rules or Laws Require a Cremation Permit?

After the declaration of disposition has been filed with the official death certificate, the county’s office will issue a cremation permit. Depending on the county, the cost for the cremation permit may be between $15-$40.

Are There Rules or Laws With a Mandatory Waiting Period Before Cremation?

The state and local laws vary, so be sure to check with your local jurisdiction. Usually, there is a 24-hour waiting period between when the person died and when they can be cremated. Some states lengthen this to 48-hours after death before cremation can occur. However, if the disposal of the body should be done to maintain public health, in the instance of a contagious disease, then the state coroner can override this waiting regulation and order an immediate cremation take place.

Are Cremation Providers Licensed?

According to federal regulations, all cremation providers must be certified and licensed within the county or state in which they perform cremation services. Within the funeral industry, there are additional regulations and best practices that reputable crematory and burial providers must follow. These would include proper and ethical handling of remains, accurate documentation of processes performed, as well as safe practices related to cremation collection and/or disposal. You can always ask to see licensure and documentation before selecting a cremation provider.

Can I Be Cremated Without a Funeral Service?

Yes, you can opt for cremation without holding a traditional funeral service. This option is known

Diamonds may be seen as a hot commodity these days for very different reasons than once before thought. The precious gem is being manufactured from no other than – human remains! Algordanza, a Swiss company, is revolutionizing the cremation industry and offering families the option to turn their loved one’s cremated remains into beautiful diamonds. Their process involves taking the remains, applying extremely high heat and pressure, mimicking similar conditions elemental carbon undergoes deep within the Earth to form diamonds.

The Vatican recently announced new cremation guidelines for Catholics. According to the newly released cremation requirements guidelines, Catholics may be cremated, but should not have their ashes kept in urns in loved ones’ homes or scattered over large bodies of water.