What is Cremation?

The practice of cremation dates back to ancient times. Cremation today is more common in Western Europe and Japan than in the United States and Canada. However, the number of people in the North America that are choosing cremation has risen significantly over the past few years.

Cremation is simply the process of reducing the human body, through a two to three hour application of intense heat, to a state of small skeletal bone fragments. The process does not create ash, as some may believe. The remains usually weigh between three to seven pounds. After the process they are usually put into a small cardboard box or another temporary container until the final decision is made regarding disposition of the remains.

There are a variety of reasons why one might choose cremation. It may be environmental or philosophical or religious reasons. Or simply because it's less complicated. The greatest misunderstanding about cremation is the belief that there is no need for services if cremation is chosen. People, however, have relied on funerals and memorial services to help them deal with their bereavement. Cremation doesn't limit that option. Having a service acknowledges the grief of families and friends of the loved one and helps them with the healing process.

Your options aren't limited if you choose cremation. Many families hold memorial services and many find that cremation gives them the opportunity to create and personalize the service for a more meaningful experience. Cremation offers many choices for disposition of the remains. With cremation there is also the choice of selecting from a wide variety of urns and caskets.

We, at Springfield Funeral Home, are available to answer any questions that you may have about the cremation process and guide you through the entire process. We can also help you with any required permits for final disposition of the remains that may be necessary under the law.

For more information about cremation, please visit the Cremations Options website at http://www.cremation-options.com