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Cremation has become a choice for many families who turn to the process for its simplicity, and in some cases, affordability. Cremation is also favored for its ecological advantages, as it doesn’t require any plot of land for burial and you don’t have to put a metal vault in the ground that isn’t biodegradable.
In Brooklyn, cremation is accepted within a wide range of traditions, beliefs and values. You may choose cremation to honor someone’s spiritual views or take the time and space to plan a tribute that truly celebrates their life. At Brooklyn-based Harmony Funeral Home, we answer questions all the time regarding what is cremation, and we’re pleased to walk you through the process to find out if it’s right for you and your family.
What Is Cremation All About?
If you have to ask what is cremation, here is the answer: cremation is a way of handling the body after death using high heat to turn it into ashes. Instead of placing the body in a casket for burial, cremation takes place in a special chamber where the body is reduced to ashes and bone fragments. These are then processed into a fine ash and placed in a basic container, which is returned to you.
You can then choose how to preserve and display the ashes. Cremation urns and memorial products provide a thoughtful way to keep someone’s ashes, called cremains. Urns come in many styles and materials, from elegant metal and wood designs to biodegradable urns that you may want to place in the ground in a green cemetery. Containers for cremains also may be used as keepsakes in styles, such as:
- Cremation jewelry like pendants or lockets
- Memorial art or photo frames with ash compartments
- Custom-designed urns with names, quotes or images
What Is the Cremation Process?
Before anything begins, you complete a few legal forms. These include a cremation authorization form and any permits required by local or state laws. At your Brooklyn funeral home, we’re pleased to provide legal paperwork assistance through this and the entire death process.
The body is transported to the crematory, where a unique ID tag is assigned and stays with them through the entire process. Next, any medical devices such as pacemakers are removed for safety. The actual cremation includes:
- Placing the container in a high-heat cremation chamber
- Reaching temperatures between 1,400°F and 1,800°F
- Leaving the body in the chamber for about two to three hours
- Reducing the body to bone fragments
Is Cremation Allowed in All Religions and Cultures?
Cremation is increasingly common in the U.S. including among families in Brooklyn, even those steeped in Brooklyn burial traditions. In fact, some faiths not only permit cremation, but have long embraced it as a traditional practice, while others permit cremation but with guidelines. Religions that commonly accept cremation include:
- Hinduism. Cremation helps release the soul for rebirth. Ashes are often placed in sacred rivers.
- Buddhism. Cremation is a natural step in life and death. Ceremonies include quiet rituals.
- Sikhism.Cremation shows respect for the soul. Services focus on prayer not the body.
- Judaism. Jews have traditionally favored burial, but some Reform communities now accept cremation.
- Christianity. Many denominations accept cremation. Catholics prefer ashes be kept in a sacred place, while Protestants are generally flexible depending on the congregation.
For certain faiths, cremation is generally not allowed or is discouraged based on religious doctrine. When you prefer a religious funeral and your family is deeply involved with a faith community, it’s best to just follow tradition closely for sects, such as:
- Islam. Cremation is not allowed. Muslims must bury the body promptly after the funeral prayers.
- Eastern Orthodox Christianity. Cremation is discouraged. Burial is preferred as they maintain beliefs in physical resurrection.
What Is Cremation Cost vs. Burial Cost?
Cremation is an affordable funeral option mainly because it doesn’t require a casket, burial plot or headstone. The costs for traditional burial can add up and usually include:
- Embalming services
- Casket and vault purchase
- Gravesite and plot fees
- Headstone or grave marker
- Opening and closing of the grave
Burial requires faster arrangements, whereas cremation gives you flexibility for when you have memorial services. You can wait until guests arrive and even host a celebration of life weeks later. Cremation costs and services might include:
What Are The Benefits of Pre-Planning My Cremation?
When you pre-plan a cremation, you get to call the shots about how and when it’s done and you take care of many of the decisions your family would otherwise face in a time of grief, such as:
- Choosing between traditional cremation or direct cremation
- Selecting the type of service you prefer
- Arranging where your ashes are scattered
It also helps financially. Funeral and cremation costs can be a shock if nothing is arranged in advance. Pre-planning allows you to explore payment options, lock in current prices and choose only what you need.
Do Veterans Get Special Honors or Benefits When Choosing Cremation?
Opting for cremation doesn’t mean missing out on a traditional military send-off. Vets are still eligible for military funeral honors, which include:
- Ceremonial folding and presentation of the U.S. flag
- Playing of Taps
- Presence of uniformed service members from a specific branch of the military
- Burial of the urn or inurnment in a national cemetery
- A government-issued headstone or marker
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs offers benefits to help cover cremation and memorials, such as:
- A burial allowance
- Free placement of cremains in a national cemetery
- A Presidential Memorial Certificate recognizing the service of the deceased
Can a Funeral Home in Brooklyn Help Me Plan a Cremation and Memorial Service?
Harmony Funeral Home makes the entire process easier for you. We understand that planning both at once can feel like a lot, especially while you’re grieving. Take advantage of our facilities that offer a quiet and welcoming space where you can hold a memorial service. And we’ll take care of the cremation and other service details.
It’s one of the many reasons families trust us. Recognized by the National Funeral Directors Association for excellence in funeral service, we proudly serve the Flatbush, East Flatbush and Canarsie communities, including Haitian Creole-speaking families. Get the answers you need about cremation by contacting Harmony Funeral Home.
Harmony Funeral Home
2200 Clarendon Rd.,
Brooklyn, NY 11226
(718) 469-6666