When someone passes away and chooses cremation, their ashes, or cremains, can go to many places. Families have many options. Some want to keep the ashes close. Others want to let them go in a special spot. This choice depends on culture, religion, and feelings.
Keeping Ashes at Home
Many people keep the ashes in an urn at home. An urn is a small container that holds the remains. One woman, Mrs. Lopez, keeps her husband’s ashes in her living room. She says, “It helps me feel he’s still here.”
In a 2021 survay by the Cremation Association of North America (CANA), about 41% of families keep ashes at home. It is a common choice.
Burying in a Cemetery
Some choose to bury ashes in a cemetery. This gives a place for friends and family to visit. In Canada, many cemeteries have niches, small wall spaces for urns. Others offer plots for urn burial.
Mr. Thompson, a father of three, buried his mom’s ashes in a family plot. “We visit her every year,” he says. “It gives us peace.”
Scattering Ashes
Scattering is another option. Families scatter ashes in places that meant something to the person. This can be a lake, mountain, or forest.
In the UK, the law allows scattering on public land with permisson. A study by the UK govrenment showed 25% of cremated remains are scattered in nature.
Linda, who lost her brother, took his ashes to the ocean. “He loved surfing. It felt right,” she says.
Placing in a Columbarium
A columbarium is a wall or building with many niches. Each niche holds an urn. It is a quiet place, like a library, but for ashes.
CANA reports a rise in columbarium use in urban areas. They take less space than full graves.
Making Keepsakes
Some families turn ashes into keepsakes. These are small items like jewelry or glass art. It lets people carry a part of their loved one.
One company, Eterneva, turns ashes into diamonds. The process uses high heat and pressure, like the earth makes real diamonds.
Planting with Trees
New ideas come up too. Some use ashes to grow a tree. The urn holds soil, a seed, and ashes. The tree grows as a living tribute.
The NFDA (Natl. Funeral Directors Assoc.) says more people want green options. It’s better for the planet.
Ashes in Space or the Sea
For something speacial, ashes can go to space or the sea. A company called Celestis sends ashes to orbit. It’s not cheap, but it’s possible.
For sea lovers, the company Eternal Reefs mixes ashes with cement. They make ocean reefs to help sea life.
In a Church or Temple
In Japan, many temples keep ashes. In India, ashes often go to the Ganges River. Every place has its own way.
Religious beliefs guide these choices. They give comfort to the living.
What Do You Want?
Deciding where to put ashes is personal. Talk with family. Ask what the person wanted. There is no right or wrong way.
As Ms. Green, a hospice nurse, says, “The ashes are not just dust. They are love, stories, and memories.”