A Primer to Cremations

Understanding what is involved in cremation service in Chalmette, LA takes a lot of the mystery out of a disposition choice that is becoming increasingly popular. Cremations offer advantages that burials do not. These include ease of transporting cremains from one place to another. Cremations have a lower ecological impact on the planet than burials do. And there are many things that can be done with cremains.

Cremation after death

It has been a part of the human story almost from the beginning. In many Eastern cultures, it is the primary way that bodies are disposed of after people die. In many ancient cultures, cremations were common during wars, both on the battlefield and to celebrate military heroes.

However, cremation fell out of favor when the Roman Empire adopted Christianity as the state religion. Because non-Christians (pagans) practiced cremation and Christians did not want to be associated with pagan practices, Christians, for the most part began to be buried underground.

Now, as Baby Boomers have aged, cremation has resurfaced as a convenient funeral plan. There's some practicality behind this decision. Baby Boomers were the first generation to, on a widespread basis, move away from where they grew up and settle all over the world. Many, in an odd traditional nod for this generation, want to go home when they die. Being cremated makes that a lot easier.

Cremations are highly-regulated and funeral homes are very rigorous to ensure that the person being cremated is treated with dignity and respect. Many steps are taken before a person is cremated to ensure that they are identified properly (usually with a current photo or by a family member). They are also further identified with a tag that is non-combustible and will stay with the remains all the way through the cremation process, and the correct cremains are given to family members.

Pacemakers are removed before cremation takes place, because lithium batteries explode under intense heat and can cause significant damage to a cremation chamber.

Jewelry, hearing aids, and glasses will be returned to the family. There are many organizations that take hearing aids and glasses and refurbish them to provide at low to no cost to people who would otherwise not be able to afford them.

The cremation services and processes

The body is put into a cremation chamber, where it will be exposed to evaporation caused by very intense heat. When the cremation is finished, any metal objects in the body, such as screws, hinges, and plates, are removed by a magnet.

All that's left of the body are bone fragments. These are allowed to cool, and then are finely ground to the consistency of sand, creating cremains (commonly called ashes). Cremains are put in a plastic bag and placed in either an urn that the family purchased or a temporary contain and they are given to the family. The family then has many options on how to store or use the cremains to honor their loved one.

Benefits of Preplanning of Cremation Services

Preplanning can offer many benefits and knowing about them can help you make the right decision for you and your family. You want to keep in mind that preplanning makes it possible to get the exact kind of services you want for yourself. It can also let you do this without having to put a strain on your loved ones to have to choose for you. You also do not have to make them pay for the services you want.

If you'd like to learn more about cremation service in Chalmette, LA, our caring and knowledgeable staff at Jacob Schoen & Son Funeral Home is here to assist you. You can visit our funeral home location at 3827 Canal St New Orleans, LA 70119, or you can call us today at (504) 482-2111.