Ways to Use Cremation Ashes

Urns are a traditional use for ashes.

Many people opt for cremation when they die, for a variety of reasons. It's less expensive than a traditional funeral and casket, not to mention the cost of a cemetery plot. Environmentalists like the fact that ground space is not being used, and some people get comfort by keeping their loved one's ashes, as it gives them a sense of the person's presence.

The Urn

One common way to use cremation ashes is to keep them in an urn and put it somewhere special that memorializes the person. Choose a beautiful, decorative urn or have one custom-made with a variety of materials to fit your specifications. You can also use a personal item and have it customized to hold the ashes. It often gives people comfort to feel that they have the person with them, even if it's just in an urn.

Cremation Jewelry

Cremation jewelry is one of the latest ways people have found to keep their loved one close to them. Typically, people opt for a pendant that contains a small amount of the ashes of the deceased. There are plenty of attractive pendants and bracelets to choose from, some even offered by funeral homes. Although cremation jewelry is intended to be worn, it can also be kept in a display case if you're afraid of losing the piece.

Scattering Ashes

Some choose to celebrate their loved one's life by scattering the ashes somewhere that was meaningful to the person---for example, scattering the person's ashes in the ocean because he loved sailing, or scattering an avid hiker's ashes from the top of a mountain. There are companies on the east and west coast that will perform a scattering at sea ceremony. Another idea is to scatter the ashes in a few different places. Some people have more than one location that was special to them and would like a bit of themselves left behind.

Fireworks

A truly unique way to celebrate a loved one's life is with a fireworks display. A few companies will put the remains inside fireworks, which are lit and shown in a display as part of the memorial service. This enables the family and friends to celebrate the person's life while watching a magnificent fireworks show and say goodbye in a beautiful send-off. When it comes to memorializing your loved ones, creativity goes a long way.

References

• Funeral Inspirations: Keeping the Ashes
• Cremation Jewelry