Death is a thief that steals the life of the people you love. It is even more tragic when multiple family members pass away at the same time. How is it even possible to move on from this kind of tragedy? If you are tasked to prepare the cremation services for more than one person, you may be curious to know if the remains can be cremated simultaneously.
When family members pass away together, it is normal to wonder if they can be cremated as one unit. After all, burial services in a funeral park permit multiple interments to save on the costs and to allow a continued sense of togetherness even beyond death. Can the same be made for a cremation service? Read on below to find out, as this article covers what you need to know should you find yourself in this predicament.
The General Rule
If cremation is the chosen final disposition method, you must know that each remain must have one coffin. Immediately upon arriving in the facility, the body is identified and tagged. The body undergoes cleansing with all the metal jewelry removed (unless otherwise specified that it be included). The body is then placed inside the coffin, which can be a simple cardboard box, a wooden casket, or a fancier encasement. This coffin is the one that goes inside the cremation chamber, also known as the cremator.
An identity tag is placed outside the cremator as soon as the coffin is ensconced inside. Generally, only one coffin and one body go inside this cremator to ensure there is no confusion. The crematorium staff is very particular about this aspect to guarantee that there are no mishaps. The identification card remains in place until the ashes are taken out and placed in an area for cooling.
Contrary to popular belief, a cremator does not burn the body with fire. Instead, the body goes inside an extremely hot furnace, where the heat rapidly reduces the mortal body into ashes. Do note that each cremator can only accommodate one coffin. The ashes have to be taken out before the cremator is used again. This step ascertains that the remains are separate and safe throughout the cremation process.
The Exception to the Rule
The crematory staff is very empathetic, so at times they will make exceptions. Do keep in mind that these are few and far between. They only usually happen when it involves a mother and her small baby because both can fit in one coffin. If the deceased people are a mother and a baby or two twin babies, crematoriums allow them to go in one coffin and cremator.
Do keep in mind that the next of kin has to make this special request. Certain forms must be filled to carry out the process. The usual protocols of giving the death certificate for each individual must be made. There may also be some additional charges, and you may also need to buy a bigger urn to accommodate the ashes.
The Liberty to Decide on the Ashes
If you are really keen on keeping the deceased remains of multiple loved ones together, you can opt to combine the ashes when you receive them. Remember, you are at liberty to do what you wish with the ashes after the crematory staff turns them over to you. Usually, the ashes come in a simple plastic bag inside a temporary urn, which gives you the leeway to transfer them where you want.
You can opt to scatter the ashes in the ocean or a favorite park. Just make sure that you ask permission from the city council before doing so. You can also opt to bury the ashes in your backyard or a funeral park. Some people prefer placing the cremation urns in a columbarium or a remembrance garden, where a niche is picked, so they have a place to visit the deceased.
Final Word
Should you wish to keep family members together during cremation, the facility may not allow grown adults to be in one coffin because of spatial issues. However, do not despair because you can still get your heart’s desires once you receive the ashes. It is a heartbreaking event to lose multiple loved ones at the same time, but knowing that they can be together even after death brings a measure of comfort.