Cremation ashes resting in the palm of a hand.
Scattering tube for cremation remains.

Dispersing the ashes of a deceased family member or friend is a beautiful and spiritual experience. It symbolizes the freeing of someone’s soul go to its final resting place. You can make the ash scattering as meaningful and personal as possible, so your loved one gets the final cast-off that he or she deserves. Here are some options for dispersing the cremains of the departed:

Water Scattering

Spreading the ashes of a loved one at sea or another body of water is an elegant and serene way to honor the dead. One way to do this is to place the cremains in a biodegradable cremation urn. Most water urns will float atop the water before slowly emerging with the ashes inside. Another water scattering ceremony idea is to choose a few close family members or friends to scatter the ashes into the water by hand. While this method can be glorious if executed properly, it is imperative that the ashes are scattered with the flow of the wind. Deviation from this can result in an undesirable outcome and can detract from the process of honoring your loved one. One more very natural and beautiful way to disperse the ashes of a loved one is to sprinkle them on the shoreline of a large body of water and let the tide take the ashes out to sea.

Surface Dispersion

Scattering ashes above the earth in a special location is another way to honor the deceased. You might choose a place that your loved one enjoyed spending his or her time or a location that held sentimental value. You can scatter the ashes loosely over the earth or rake them across the ground to mix them in with the surrounding soil. It is important to know that if you want to disperse your loved one’s ashes on private or state property, you must first check local regulations or obtain permission before you plan the ceremony. Certain cemeteries even have scatter gardens for this type of ceremony.

Shallow Dispersion

Some people choose to place the ashes of a loved one just below the surface of the earth. This practice is often called “trenching.” This method entails digging a shallow hole or trench and placing the cremains in the hole, then burying them. Biodegradable urns are available for this type of ceremony.

Scattering Ashes in the Sky

Another way to disperse the ashes of a loved one is to spread them by air. Make sure to choose a reputable pilot and crew that specialize in this type of ceremony. Your funeral director should have more information on local companies. Some pilots that perform these ceremonies allow select family members to be present in the plane while the ashes are scattered across the sky. Others arrange to drop the ashes at a specific time and location so that mourners can see the ashes descend from above.

Shared Resting Place

If your lost loved one is preceded in death by a close companion or spouse, it is possible to share their final resting place. After obtaining permission from the cemetery, you can arrange to have your loved one’s ashes buried on top of the cemetery plot of his or her companion, below the ground’s surface in an urn for ashes. Not only is this method a special ceremonial gesture of reuniting mortal companions, it is also an eco-friendly way to honor the dead. Spreading your loved one’s ashes is a hallowed time of spiritual release. However you choose to scatter the cremains of the departed, you will honor them and keep their memory alive, whether their ashes are scattered a cross the land, sea, or sky. Read more funeral information by our team here at In The Light Urns.