Once a cremation is over the bereaved still have to make decisions about what to do with the ashes after a cremation. There are a few different options, such as burying the ashes in a cemetery in Matthews, NC, keeping them in your home, or scattering them. If you want to go the scattering route, keep reading to learn some basic information and tips as it can be more complex than you would think.

• There are Different Scattering Methods – Scattering can mean more than just tossing ashes into the wind. There are in fact two main ways of scattering ashes: casting and trenching. Casting is scattering the ashes into the air, and trenching is burying the ashes just below the ground surface. You can also rake ashes into soil, cast ashes from an airplane, or even send ashes into space.

• Come Prepared – It seems obvious, but it’s important to make a clear plan for who will scatter the ashes, and this might not be as straightforward as it may seem. Sometimes families wish for a religious leader to do the scattering, or other times families hire a company to help.

• You Don’t Have to Scatter All the Ashes – You can scatter as much or as little of the ashes as you want. Sometimes different members of the family each take a turn scattering, or some of the ashes are kept to be scattered at a later date, in a different location, or not at all.

• There Might be Bones – Most cremations reduce the body down to fine ash mixed with coarse, sand-like ash containing bone fragments. Be aware of this fact when considering scattering.

• Create Memories – You can take photographs of the scattering to help preserve memories, and to have something more concrete to honor the deceased. Sometimes people regret scattering as it takes away any concrete memorial, so the photographs can be a good stand in for the ashes themselves.

• Check the Wind Direction – Be sure to take note of the wind direction on the day you want to scatter. You do not want to have ashes blown back into your face. It’s not unhealthy or dangerous, just very uncomfortable. 

• Look Up Local Laws – Rules and regulations about where you can scatter ashes varies from state to state, and even city to city. Be sure to read up on your local laws to avoid getting fined for scattering in a prohibited place. The same goes for more unique scattering locations, such as at sea or in national parks. Sometimes you even need a permit.

There are many ways to scatter ashes and memorialize a loved one other than in a Matthews, NC cemetery. Gethsemane Cemetery and Memorial Garden can give you any additional information you may require. Please stop by and visit us or give us a call to learn more about what we can do for you in your time of loss or of preplanning.