What Is Cremation? A Comprehensive Guide to Understanding the Process

Have you ever wondered why someone chooses cremation as their final farewell? For many, the concept remains a mystery. So, what is cremation, and why do people opt for this method over traditional burial? Cremation is not just a modern alternative to burial—it’s a centuries-old practice that offers many families a respectful and meaningful option.

In this guide, we will explore the entire cremation process, from preparation to the final resting place of the ashes, and answer some frequently asked questions to help you better understand this option for saying goodbye to a loved one.

What is cremation?

Cremation is a widely accepted method of final disposition that uses high heat in a controlled environment to reduce the body to ashes, also known as cremated remains. This process takes place in a cremation chamber, a specially designed furnace, where temperatures can reach up to 1000°C.

In contrast to traditional burial, where a body is placed in the ground, cremation offers an alternative that suits various personal, environmental, and practical preferences. As society evolves, so does how we say goodbye to our loved ones. Understanding what cremation entails is crucial in making an informed decision about funeral arrangements.

How is a body prepared for cremation?

Initial steps

The cremation process begins with careful preparation. The first step involves confirming the deceased’s identity and meeting all legal requirements. In Australia, this includes obtaining proper authorisation from relevant authorities, such as death certificates and permits for cremation. Once this paperwork is in order, the body can be prepared for cremation.

Preparation process

The body is prepared for cremation once the required authorisations are in place.

• This involves removing medical devices, such as pacemakers, which can pose a risk during cremation due to high temperatures.
• Personal items like jewellery are also removed and can be returned to the family upon request.
• Depending on their preference, the body is then dressed in either clothing provided by the family or a simple shroud.

Finally, the body is placed in a coffin or casket that is specifically designed for cremation. These coffins are usually made of wood or cardboard, allowing them to burn easily.

The cremation process

The cremation process itself begins once the body is placed in the cremation chamber, also known as a retort. High heat is applied inside this chamber, reaching temperatures between 800 and 1000 degrees Celsius. This intense heat breaks down the body for one to three hours, reducing it to bone fragments. After this, the cremation chamber can cool, and the remains can be carefully collected. These bone fragments are then processed into a fine, sand-like powder, which is what we commonly refer to as cremation ashes.

Cremation timeline

The entire cremation process, from the time the body is placed in the chamber to the moment the ashes are ready for collection, usually takes about two to three hours. After the remains are processed, it may take an additional few days for the ashes to be returned to the family, depending on the crematorium’s procedures. Overall, families can expect to receive their loved one’s ashes within a week of the initial cremation, allowing them to plan any further memorial activities.

The role of embalming in the cremation process

Embalming can also play a role in cremation services, especially when the family wishes to hold a viewing or a traditional service before cremation. The embalming process involves preserving a body using chemical treatments to delay decomposition.

When is embalming required before cremation?

In Australia, embalming is not mandatory for cremation. However, embalming may be required in specific circumstances, such as:

• To allow for public viewings or to preserve the body for an extended period before a funeral service.
• The deceased’s family chooses a memorial service before cremation. Embalming may be performed to preserve the body during the service.
• In the case of repatriation, embalming is legally required to ensure the safe transport of the deceased to another country.

While embalming can be a helpful step for preserving the body, it is often an optional service for families who choose cremation. Understanding this distinction helps families make informed decisions that best meet their needs and preferences.

Why do people choose cremation?

Flexibility and personalisation

One of the main reasons families opt for cremation is its flexibility. With cremation, there is no immediate need for burial, which allows families to plan memorial services at a time that suits them. Cremation also opens the door to various memorialisation options, such as keeping the ashes in an urn, scattering them in a meaningful location, or even incorporating them into jewellery or memorial keepsakes.

Environmental considerations

Cremation is often viewed as more environmentally friendly than traditional burial. It eliminates the need for embalming chemicals and reduces the land used for burial plots. In Australia, where cremation is increasingly preferred, these environmental benefits align with the growing trend toward more sustainable end-of-life choices.

Financial reasons

Cremation is generally more affordable than traditional burials, which require the purchase of a burial plot, a coffin or casket, and a headstone. Without these additional costs, cremation offers a more economical option for families, which is particularly important for those working within a budget.

What happens to the cremation ashes?

Collection of cremation ashes

After the process, the cremated ashes are placed in an urn or sealed container chosen by the family. Once the ashes are collected, the family can then decide how they wish to celebrate the life of their loved one. Some may choose to keep the urn at home as a memorial, while others may prefer to bury a loved one’s ashes in a cemetery or a columbarium.

Scattering ashes

In Australia, families often scatter their loved one’s ashes in a meaningful location. Popular places for scattering ashes include beaches, parks, or a family garden. If you are scattering ashes on public or private land, getting permission from the local authorities or the landowner is essential.

Unique memorials

In addition to traditional methods, many creative ways exist to honour a loved one’s ashes.

• Families may incorporate the ashes into keepsake jewellery, such as rings or pendants, allowing them to keep a part of their loved ones close.
• Others opt for environmentally friendly options like planting a tree with a biodegradable urn and creating a living memorial that grows and thrives in memory of the deceased.

These are just a few options that provide a personalised way to remember a loved one, offering comfort and a lasting tribute.

Cremation and repatriation

In some cases, families may need to transport the remains of their loved ones across borders. This process, known as repatriation, involves either transporting the deceased’s body to another country for cremation or returning the cremated remains to the home country.

Repatriating cremated remains involves specific documentation and regulations, including clearance of transport permits and customs authorities. If a body is being transported for cremation, embalming is required to preserve the body during transport.

Working with a professional international repatriation service ensures that these complex processes are managed efficiently and in compliance with international laws.

Final thoughts

Cremation offers a dignified way to honour a loved one’s memory, providing families with options that align with their values and traditions.
For assistance with repatriation or any further questions, please reach out to Bellrae for compassionate, expert support.

Frequently asked questions about cremation

Will your loved one be cremated in a coffin?

Yes, in Australia, cremation must occur with the deceased in a coffin or casket. The extreme heat of the cremation process ensures that the coffin is entirely burned away, leaving no traces in the ashes that are returned to the family. This practice is both a legal and procedural requirement in Australia.

Can you have a funeral service if you choose cremation?

Yes, many families opt to hold a funeral or memorial service before or after cremation. Some may choose a traditional funeral with a viewing, while others may have a service after receiving the ashes.

Can a cremation be done without holding a service?

Yes, it is possible to have a cremation without a formal service. This option, known as direct cremation or no-service cremation, involves carrying out the cremation process without a preceding funeral or ceremony. Many families choose direct cremation for its simplicity, privacy, and affordability. After the cremation, loved ones can arrange a memorial at a time and place that feels right, allowing for a more personal farewell.

What happens to the ashes after cremation?

The cremated ashes are placed in an urn or container and given back to the family. The family can keep the ashes, scatter them, or inter them in a columbarium or cemetery.

How long does the cremation process take?

The cremation usually takes one to three hours, followed by additional time for cooling and processing the remains into ashes. Families can expect to receive the ashes within a few days.