How to Create a Permanent Memorial When Scattering Ashes
After the death of a loved one, many people decide to scatter the ashes. Scattering ashes can be a meaningful experience, and family and friends of the deceased often gather together for this special event. However, scattering ashes doesn’t mean that there will never be a place to grieve or pay your respects. There are many ways to create a permanent memorial for your loved one.
Cremation Jewelry
Instead of scattering all of your loved one’s ashes, consider keeping a small amount of ashes and having them made into cremation jewelry. This is a memorial that you can keep with you at all times, and you can even pass the jewelry on to your family members.
Cremation jewelry comes in a wide range of styles and designs. You can choose a small vial to hold cremains, a glass pendant made with cremains, or a custom piece that reflects your personal sensibilities.
Scattering Gardens
If you are worried about scattering ashes somewhere that may eventually be developed or face other changes, you may want to place your loved one’s ashes in a cemetery. If you take this route, you can purchase a burial vault for your loved one’s ashes, or many cemeteries now offer scattering gardens. That is a designated place to scatter ashes.
Eternal Reefs
Scattering ashes in the sea is a popular option for many people, but if you want a permanent memorial for your loved one, you may want to consider an eternal reef. This is an artificial cement reef that incorporates your loved one’s ashes and potentially even a few small mementos. The reef is placed in a designated area where it becomes a habitat for fish and other sea life.
Keepsake Urns
Remember you don’t have to scatter all of your loved one’s ashes. You may opt to scatter most of the ashes during a memorial service with family and friends but keep a small amount of ashes in a keepsake urn. A keepsake urn is a decorative urn that holds a small amount of ashes.
Biodegradable Urns and Trees
In lieu of scattering ashes, you may want to place the ashes somewhere special and plant a tree in honor of your loved one. There are biodegradable living urns that are designed just for this purpose. The cremains go into the ground with your sapling, and as the tree grows, it becomes a beautiful, living memorial to your loved one.
Before you open the urn, be sure you’re adhering to Massachusetts laws for scattering ashes. At Boston Cremation, we can help you memorialize your departed loved one in a caring and meaningful way. Contact us today. We offer simple cremations, memorial services, and funerals.