Cremation Process Overview
In many cases, people are cremated in either a sheet or the clothing they are wearing when they arrive at the crematory. Pain cannot be felt because there are no nerve impulses. People are dressed in shrouds for cremation. Metallic items like pacemakers are first removed. Some clothing items are considered unsafe for cremation.
What is Removed From a Body Before Cremation?
Jewelry, pacemakers, or devices are removed to prevent explosions during cremation. Jewelry is returned, devices often recycled. Bones don’t completely turn to ash even at the high temperatures needed to burn them. The calcium phosphate they’re made of remains. Bone fragments are pulverized into pieces less than 1/8" in size.
Cremation and Clothing
Most crematories allow dressing the body prior to cremation, although clothing choices must be combustible. After cremation, the remaining body primarily consists of bone fragments. The cremation chamber is heated to 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit, which should completely incinerate the clothing. Ashes weigh between 4 to 6 pounds, around 3.5% of the original weight.
Body Preparation for Cremation
The body is washed, dressed, and identified by the family. Only one body can be cremated at once, and all remains must be cleared before another cremation.
Cremation Principles
Teeth fracture, crumble, and often burn away during cremation. Evidence is the calcified dust left behind. Bones don’t completely turn to ash even at the 1,292 degrees Fahrenheit needed to burn them. The calcium phosphate they’re made of remains.
After cremation, the remaining body consists primarily of bone fragments. Bone fragments are pulverized into pieces less than 1/8" in size. They are then put in an urn selected by the family.
Body Preparation and Process
Before cremation, the body is washed and dressed. All jewelry, devices, and medical devices are removed. Anything kept is given, medical devices disposed properly.
Cremation Symbolism
Cremation symbolizes spirit release and return to earth. It encapsulates life in memories left behind. Understanding the process can ease anxiety. Only 40 years ago under 10 percent were cremated, but now over 50 percent choose cremation.
Body Storage and Cooling
The body is kept below 40 degrees Fahrenheit to delay decomposition until cremation. This is achieved through refrigeration, ice, gel packs.