A special ceremony to scatter the ashes of a loved one who has passed honors the meaningful life they lived and symbolically sends them on their journey into the afterlife. This event can bring unity and peace to friends and family that wish to participate.  Scattering ashes has many components to consider: location, timing, laws and more. Some like to cast the remains into the wind at a sacred family location. Others want to release into the ocean where the deceased loved to spend free time.The details of the ceremony can be modified so it is exactly in your image, honoring your special person the best way possible. You have many options. Traditional methods include casting over land and water. Some choose to bury the remains in a low trench, or rake them into the soil. Third-party services will even launch them into space or work them into a piece of jewelry. 

Scattering Laws and Regulations

Preventing any legal hiccups is a good first start to the scattering process. Regulations vary based on city and state, so we suggest researching the rules of your local area before beginning.  The EPA has a website with thorough legal information and FAQs on sea burials for the United States that can be accessed here.

Types of Ash Scattering Ceremonies

Casting

Casting is the most popular ceremony method. It is easy, accessible, and can be done almost anywhere. It is important to note that cremation ash is not like ash from a fire. It is ground bone fragments that vary in size and weight. While it may seem obvious, it is very important you cast away from you. Ashes blowing back in your face is not ideal for ceremonial value, plus they are sharp and can cause injury. Make sure all the participants are also out of the wind path. 

Trenching

Trenching is when the ashes are placed into a shallow trench dug into the ground, covered and topped with a symbolic marker.  Biodegradable urns are a valuable choice for this process to keep everything contained. You can also pour the ashes directly into the trench to resemble a traditional burial. Make sure you understand how the land moves and how weather may affect the trench. Weather may also affect the marker used, so find one that is sturdy and heavy. 

Raking

Raking involves pouring the remains from an urn onto loose soil and raking into the earth. Many chose to perform raking in flower gardens, national parks, or other beautiful outdoor locations. Many cemeteries have scattering gardens specifically for this process. Just like trenching, consider how the land may change and the appropriate ways to mark the location. 

Water Casting

Water casting is the process of casting into bodies of water. This can be done at an individual level into an ocean, lake, or pond by the family. Third party services can also be hired for a boat excursion that takes the participants out further on the water for a ceremony. Specialists are helpful during water casting ceremonies to make sure the process goes seamlessly. The wind will be a factor for all types of casting, so keep it in mind when it comes time to release the ashes. Water soluble urns also exist for purchase to avoid wind complications. Again, obeying all local laws is extremely important to a successful water cast. 

Wiles Remembrance Center gives a unique list of other ways to memorialize the deceased ashes after cremation:

• Pressing ashes into a record of a beloved song

• Scattering at a sports field or arena

• Incorporating the ashes into jewelry

• Turning ashes into a firework for a celebration of life

• Mixing ashes into paint or clay to create a unique art piece

  
  

However you choose to honor your loved one who has passed after cremation is up to you. We are here to help and make the process as easy as possible. Please contact us with any questions, or check out our other blogs for more helpful information on cremation.