When someone dies, their loved ones often face the difficult decision of what to do with their remains. One option is cremation, but what should be done with the ashes after they are cremated? Some people choose to keep them in an urn, while others choose to scatter them. But is it wrong to separate cremated ashes?
Many have wondered over the years whether it is indeed okay to divide cremation ashes into more than one urn. And the answer, of course, is, that answer varies according to the family’s needs and values. Below we explore this question more closely.
There is no one right answer when it comes to dealing with cremated ashes, as the decision will depend on a variety of factors. Some people may feel that separating cremated ashes is disrespectful or even sacrilegious, while others may see it simply as a practical way to keep different parts of their loved one’s remains together.
Factors to Consider Before Dividing a Loved One’s Ashes
There are several factors to take into consideration before deciding whether to separate a loved one’s ashes. When the human body is cremated, you will receive the ashes after cremation in a plastic or cardboard box.
Whether the loved one wanted their ashes separated or not
Did your loved one want their ashes separated between various friends and family members? If so, then these wishes should be taken into consideration and given the most weight before making a choice. It was the loved one’s wish after all and that should be followed.
This applies even to the question of cremation itself. If a family member has expressed a desire to be cremated, then he or she should certainly be cremated. And in these cases, unless the loved one has specifically left instructions that his or her remains not be separated, it is considered appropriate to assume that dividing them among various urns meets with his or her approval.
If you divide ashes will it upset close family members or friends?
Some individuals do not like the idea of the loved one’s cremated remains being divided. It’s important to take other family members who were close to the deceased into account before making a decision.
Any religious or cultural beliefs that may dictate what should be done with the ashes
Except for, perhaps, obscure sects of minor religions, the question of whether cremated remains should be divided among several urns or keepsakes is mostly in line with a religion’s view of cremation in general.
Generally speaking, Catechism, Jewish and Muslim traditions speak not for cremation in general and, therefore, would certainly also frown upon the practice of dividing ashes.
Meanwhile, Hinduism, Buddhism, and other Eastern religions strongly encourage cremation in most cases and generally have no stipulations about how ashes are stored and/or dispersed.
Christianity is almost entirely silent on the subject of cremation. The question of dividing ashes would, like cremation itself, be a matter of following the deceased’s or the family’s personal preferences, which it should be; this decision should be a personal preference and not be ordered by any religion.
The rule of thumb to follow in this case is this: if a religion allows cremation, it is almost always indifferent to how the ashes are handled. Dividing them among several urns is just as acceptable as storing them in a single container or scattering them over one or more spots.
What do Laws say about Dividing the Cremation Ashes?
Laws are entirely silent on this question as well, leaving the decision entirely to the family or to a deceased’s person’s wishes.
Other than the occasional intervention by courts when families cannot agree about how ashes should be stored and/or dispersed, no federal, state or municipal government has jurisdiction on this question, and, by and large, none have ever attempted to influence the public’s opinion on this matter.
Different Ways to Divide the Ashes of a Lost Loved
Cremation is becoming increasingly popular as an option when a person dies. And with that, there are a lot of ways to store, scatter, and split ashes into a beautiful piece of art.
Cremation Urns
While a crematorium or funeral director will provide to a departed person’s family rather stylish temporary containers for cremation remains, most families choose to transfer those ashes into a personally selected cremation urn
Cremation urns are containers that hold the ashes of a cremated person. There are many different types of urns – from traditional wood, glass, or even ceramic urns. Urns also come in a variety of different shapes and sizes to handle any body weight.
Many people who divide ashes will purchase small keepsake urns. Each small urn can then be given to a family member or a friend with a small portion of cremated remains inside. However, this is just one of many choices you have available.
Cremation Jewelry
Cremation jewelry comes in two forms. The most common form is a small cremation necklace that has a small hollowed-out charm that allows you to put a small amount of the cremated remains inside. You can then wear or display the jewelry.
The other form of cremation jewelry is made from the ashes of a loved one. Our glass cremation jewelry is one example of beautiful jewelry that is made from your loved one’s ashes. You send in the ashes to the artist and they glass blow them into the piece of art. It’s a true one-of-a-kind way to remember that special someone.
Cremation Diamonds
Cremation diamonds are a more recent trend in the memorialization of a loved one. They are created when the ashes of a cremated person are mixed with a resin and then turned into diamonds.
These diamonds can then be given to family members as a way to keep the loved one close by. Or, they can be used to create a piece of jewelry. For example, you could have a ring, earrings, a bracelet, or a necklace made with cremation diamonds to always have a reminder with you.
Scattering Urns
Scattering urns are a popular choice for those who want to spread the ashes of a loved one. There are many different types of scattering urns available, including traditional ceramic urns, glass scattering pots, and biodegradable bamboo urns.
These urns typically have a small hole at the bottom that allows you to easily disperse the ashes in a variety of different locations. Some people may choose to scatter the cremated remains on land, while others may scatter them in the ocean or at a specific location that was meaningful to their loved one.
Glass Blown Art
Another option is to turn the ashes into beautiful glass-blown art. From glass cremation sculptures to smaller glass cremation weights, there are wonderful choices to memorialize a loved one in a truly unique way.
Cremation Art
Or, you can celebrate your loved one in a beautiful work of cremation art. In this option, a loved one’s ashes are mixed with paint and then painted into a masterpiece by an artist.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you scatter ashes?
There are many different ways to scatter ashes. You can scatter them on land, in the ocean, or at a specific location that was meaningful to your loved one.
Can you bury ashes?
Some people choose to bury ashes, while others choose to keep them in an urn. It is important to check with your local cemetery to see if they allow the burial of ashes.
How do you divide ashes?
Many people who divide ashes will purchase small keepsake urns. Each small urn can then be given to a family member or a friend with a small portion of cremated remains inside. However, this is just one of many choices you have available.
How can I keep ashes?
There are many different options for keeping ashes. Some people choose to bury them, while others may scatter them or keep them in an urn. You can also choose to turn the ashes into cremation jewelry, a cremation diamond, or glass-blown art.
Is scattering of ashes legal?
Yes, scattering of ashes is legal in most places. However, it is important to check with your local cemetery or crematorium to see if there are any restrictions in your area.
Is it a sin to separate ashes?
No, it is not a sin to separate ashes. The Bible does not specifically mention cremation or the scattering of ashes, so there is no ruling on this matter. However, some people may have religious or spiritual beliefs that say cremation and the scattering of ashes are not acceptable.
Is it disrespectful to open an urn?
No, it is not disrespectful to open an urn. Urns are typically only opened after the death of the person whose ashes are inside. However, some families may choose to open the urn at other times or allow other people to view the ashes.
Is it a sin to keep ashes at home?
There is no sin in keeping ashes at home. Cremation and the scattering of ashes are not specifically mentioned in the Bible, so there is no ruling on this matter.