The Pugilistic Stance and Movement
While bodies do not sit up during cremation, the pugilistic stance may occur. This position is a defensive posture that has been seen in bodies that have experienced extreme heat and burning. Sitting up requires the coordination of large muscle groups, which cannot be done without a living brain.
The most common "movement" observed is a contraction of the arm muscles at around 670 °C. This contraction creates a pose similar to a boxer protecting their chest.
Misconceptions and Procedures
Pre-Cremation Preparations
Is the body taken out of the coffin before cremation? Yes. The container and the body are placed in the cremator and cremation commenced.
Are people cremated with clothing? Most crematories allow dressing the body prior to cremation, provided the clothing choices are combustible.
Does a body get drained before cremation? No, draining fluids does not happen before cremation. If the body is embalmed, bodily fluids are exchanged with chemicals.
What is removed from a body before cremation? Jewelry, pacemakers, or other devices are removed to prevent explosions during cremation. Jewelry is returned to the family, while devices are often recycled.
How is a body prepared for cremation? The body is washed, dressed, and identified by the family.
During and After Cremation
The cremation itself takes about three to four hours, with another one to two hours for processing ashes. Only one body can be cremated at a time to ensure all remains are properly accounted for.
Ashes following cremation weigh between 4 to 6 pounds, approximately 3.5% of the original weight.
Teeth fracture, crumble, and often burn away during cremation, leaving behind calcified dust.
After cremation, the remaining body consists primarily of bone fragments which are then pulverized into pieces less than 1/8" in size.
The Pugilistic Pose Myth
The pugilistic pose can provide the basis for stories of bodies "sitting up" during cremation, but this is a myth. The body does not feel pain during cremation because the person is no longer alive.
The skull does not burst during cremation but becomes fragile and may crumble under high heat. Bone fragments do not completely turn to ash; the high-use calcium phosphate remains after the cremation process.