Choosing Where to Scatter a Loved One’s Ashes

Image of spring in Japan

Having the ability to choose where to scatter a loved one’s ashes is one of the more personal advantages of choosing cremation over burial. If you have recently lost a loved one and are trying to decide what to do with his or her cremated remains, read through the following advice.

Deciding on an Appropriate Place
Reflect on your loved one’s personality and interests. What were some of his or her favorite places? Did she love the beach or the forest? How about baseball, football, golf, or another sport? Natural settings are appropriate for the scattering of ashes, as they enable you to return the remains of your loved one to the earth from which she came. Ballparks and fields are also a good option for individuals who were so passionate about a sport that they would want nothing more than to watch game after game in the afterlife.

Scatter Some, Save Some
If you are torn between a couple of places that were near and dear to your loved one’s heart, don’t force yourself to choose just one location. Ashes can be scattered in several places . You can also scatter some ashes now and save others to scatter on your loved one’s birthday, your anniversary, or at another time in the future. Similarly, you can scatter some of the deceased’s cremated remains and store the rest in an urn or memorial keepsake.

Where Not to Scatter
States and municipalities have varying laws pertaining to the scattering of cremated remains. Check these before scattering ashes to ensure that you are compliant with them. A funeral home representative may also be able to help you identify an appropriate location.

Coping with the loss of a partner, relative, or friend is extremely difficult. To speak with an Oakland area funeral planner who can guide you through the cremation process and answer any questions you may have about scattering cremated remains, call Chapel of the Chimes in Oakland at (510) 654-0123.