What is the Cremation process? – What to expect when cremating a loved one

Cremation is an ancient practice present in many cultures across the world including Ireland. It is fundamentally a process of transforming the body of the deceased into cremains that can be interred in an urn or scattered in a location that holds meaning for the deceased and their loved ones.

The process begins when the deceased arrives at the crematorium. Their body is identified and the proper authorization for the cremation is granted. The deceased is then prepared and placed into the container that will be cremated with them. This is then moved to the cremation chamber where they undergo the cremation processes. The body and container are changed using heat to reduce them. After cremation, any remaining metal from jewellery or surgical implants are removed and the remains are ground to a powder. Cremation produces 3 – 9 pounds/1.3 – 4 KG of cremains, depending on the size of the body, container and the cremation equipment and processes used, the processes takes 2 – 3 hours approximately. The cremains can then be housed in a temporary container or placed in a bespoke urn  provided by the family.

The cremains can then, typically, be stored at a funeral parlor to be picked up at a future date. This allows the deceased’s loved ones time to decide what they wish to do in accordance with any last wishes or for further funerary preparations to be made. Many people are choosing cremation as a more environmentally, economical and convenient option to a traditional burial.

If you are interested in watching the processes of cremations this YouTube video by Jason Ramasami may be useful.

If you have any specific queries or concerns not addressed here or in our FAQ’s  section please do not hesitate to contact us

photo credit: Tale Billed Fælleskrematoriet i Ringsted via photopin (license)