Practical Tips for Scattering Cremated Remains

Today, many people opt for cremation over a traditional burial, and one reason for this is that cremation allows for the scattering of cremated remains. Are you planning to scatter the cremated remains following the funeral service of a loved one? It is a good idea to consider the following practical tips for carrying out this practice.

Know What to Expect
It’s common for people to expect cremated remains to look and feel like soft ashes when, in fact, they are coarse and contain bone fragments. Also, the cremated remains of an adult male typically weigh about 6 pounds, and those of an adult female weigh around 4 pounds. Understanding these facts beforehand and knowing what to expect can help prepare you and anyone else who will be participating in the ceremony.

Understand Your Options
Before you select a location and scatter the cremated remains, think about what options you have. Some people choose to scatter the cremated remains once and in a single location, others scatter them in several locations, and still others opt to scatter some and keep the rest stored in an urn.

Stand Upwind While Scattering
Before you begin the ritual of scattering the cremated remains, position yourself according to the wind. If you’re standing downwind of the direction you plan to toss the cremated remains, then the wind will send them back in your direction. For this reason, it’s important to stand upwind.

Bring Along a Camera
Scattering the cremated remains of a deceased loved one is a ritual that you may want to look back on in the future, and one way to do this is to take pictures of the location. Also, capturing photographs during the ceremony will allow you to share the event with friends and relatives who are unable to be there in person.

Chapel of the Chimes Oakland can help you with cremation and funeral services when you visit our funeral home in Oakland. Please call (510) 654-0123 for more information.