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Are Cremation Services Frowned Upon in Some Religions? And Other Interesting Facts About Disposition Methods!

In the history of mankind, losing someone you love has never been, and will never be, easy. It’s heart-wrenching and difficult on your mind, body, and soul, but grief can be cathartic. The mourning process can be a healing process in the same instance. And your choice of funerary services and disposition methods, like cremation services in Tallahassee, FL, are prime examples of how you can garner peace of mind through a final goodbye.

Cremation is one of the most popular disposition methods available to the general public. The process involves burning the decedent down to ashes, allowing loved ones to keep those ashes in an urn or scatter them somewhere the decedent loved to be, like the sea or mountains. It’s often seen as a peaceful and eco-friendly disposition method, and one preferred by those that have passed away.

To the title question

Yes, some religions frown upon cremation and opt for burials instead. Those of Islamic or Jewish faiths, for instance, are heavily opposed to cremation because they believe that the act of burning a body is defamation of the deceased. Other religions, such as Buddhism, believe that cremation is purifying the body, allowing the soul to cleanly cut ties to its corporeal form.

In the United States, Christianity is the most prominent religion with subcategories, like Protestant, Baptist, and Catholic. Some offshoots of Christianity are for cremation, while others are opposed. Catholicism, for instance, is opposed, as they believe that the Holy Bible views fire as the equivalent of damnation. They also believe in the stories of Christ’s resurrection, which involves burial to preserve the body.

Cremation is a personal choice and belief. One that plays a big part in the funerary and disposition path someone chooses for when they pass away. There’s no right or wrong belief or choice here, as long as someone’s wishes are honored with the utmost respect.

Does the Act of Cremation Take All Day?

Most people are surprised at how long it takes for a body to be cremated. The cremation chamber, also known as a retort, gets up to 1,800 degrees Fahrenheit. That’s hot enough to burn away organic matter, like skin, fat, and muscle, in under two hours.

Hair burns first because the filaments are quick to catch fire. Bones will burn last because they are the toughest and contain bits of calcium and other matter. In the process, the bones are purified and reduced to ash. Some crematoriums will go back and grind the bones into finer powder after cremation.

The process of cremation is peaceful and, of course, painless. Some people are concerned that their loved ones will somehow feel being cremated, but deceased persons don’t feel anything any longer. Crematorium staff and funeral directors often emphasize the fact that cremation is a painless, simple disposition process.

Do Fillings and Gold Teeth Melt During Cremation?

Yes! Gold and other metals will melt during the cremation process. Remains are stirred and repositioned as the body is burned down, so melted metals and other materials are mixed into the ashes. After cremation services loved ones have six weeks to collect the remains of a decedent before the ashes are stored in a vault of unclaimed cremains.

You can learn more about cremation services in Tallahassee, FL. Talk to us at Lifesong Funerals & Cremations to schedule a consultation and learn about cremation services/funeral home services. Visit our offices in Florida or call one of our locations.

Will Funeral Directors Help You Plan a Loved One’s Funerary Services in Tallahassee?

If you’ve never planned a funeral before, you’ve probably heard horror stories about having to accommodate everyone’s schedules and wishes. Or how stressful it can be to prepare a funeral for a loved one while you’re in the midst of grief. If you have planned a funeral before, then you know all too well how draining and exhausting the process can be. Luckily, funeral homes in Tallahassee, FL, employ compassionate, empathetic funeral directors, all of whom will help you plan a loved one’s funerary services. The extra help takes some of the emotional and mental strain off of you while putting the process into a clearer, crisper perspective.

Sometimes planning a funeral can be daunting and challenging because your mind is clouded by sorrow. It’s never easy to lose someone, and even less so when you have to plan how to handle their final moments after death. Funeral directors do exactly what their title suggests – they direct funerals. What does that mean? Here’s a rundown of some, but not all, of their responsibilities.

Consultation with close loved ones, friends, and family to arrange funeral service details, such as casket and disposition method selections, and ceremony plans (songs, eulogies, etc.).
Prepares and files insurances, tax forms, and other billing forms for the deceased, as well as service itemized bills for customers, and other essential paperwork.
Makes counseling services available to families and friends that need help with beginning the healing process after the death of a loved one.
Composes (upon request) and submits obituaries to newspapers and online funeral home sites, allowing family and friends to leave memories and well wishes in a virtual guestbook for close loved ones.

Funeral directors also ensure the proper preparation of the deceased. Some directors double as morticians. Others simply supervise a separate funeral home team of embalmers, attendants, clerks, and cosmetologists.

Do Funeral Homes Require a Religious Component for Funerary Services?

Absolutely not! If your loved one wanted a religious component for their funeral, then you can plan funeral services to reflect that. Funeral directors have access to preachers and religious figures to oversee funerary services where necessary.

Can Funeral Directors Put You into Contact with a Grief Counselor?

Yes! Funeral directors have access to a long list of counseling services for everyone of all kinds of backgrounds, even children. You can request a reference to a reliable, reputable local grief counselor, and even ask that a director make the first appointment to get you started with therapy after a loved one’s death.

Can Funeral Directors Make Suggestions if You are Stuck on Funeral Service Arrangements?

Absolutely – that’s one of the roles of a funeral director. Their compassion shines through in tough times, and they can help you navigate the difficulties of planning a funeral for your loved one. Directors offer clarity where you might feel clouded.

Funeral homes employ some of the best funeral directors to better ensure families and friends have the best care when coping with the death of a loved one. When you feel lost or alone in the process of planning a funeral, the directors are there to help you find peace of mind in an understanding and compassionate environment.

You can learn more about funeral homes in Tallahassee, FL. Talk to us at Lifesong Funerals & Cremations to schedule a consultation and learn about cremation services funeral home services. Visit our offices in Florida or call one of our locations.

Is Cremation Better than a Burial to Help Friends and Family Cope with the Death of a Loved One?

When a loved one dies, it can feel like grief has completely taken over your heart, to the point where you can’t imagine saying farewell to the person you cared about. However, saying goodbye is a normal part of the inevitability of death, and funerary methods, like cremation services funeral homes in Havana, FL, are personal experiences to help you cope with the grieving process.

Some people prefer burials, whereas others prefer cremations, and some prefer one or the other due to eco-friendliness, religious beliefs, or simply how they were raised. Cremations, while more eco-friendly, quicker, and cost-effective, are less traditional than burials, whereas burials give people a plot to visit when they acutely feel the loss of a loved one.

Who is Legally Responsible for Paying for a Burial or Cremation?

If the deceased has a will, then funerary and disposition costs will fall to the assigned administrator or executor, usually a close loved one, like a spouse or grown child. However, some people opt for preparations for their own funeral. This means they can pay the funerary and disposition costs before they die, then appoint an administrator to ensure their wishes are followed.

On average, a funeral will range from $2,000 to $8,000, depending on the services.

Funerals are considered major purchases. Ergo, shopping around for the best deals is an ethical way for you to get the funeral services you want while saving money. You don’t have to break the bank to plan a meaningful remembrance for a loved one.

What’s the Least Costly Disposition Method After the Death of Someone Close to You?

Cremation is cheaper than burials, and it’s even less expensive to skip a traditional funeral altogether. Direct cremation, for instance, can cost between $500 to $2,000.

Do Funeral Homes Charge More for Burials or Cremations?

Funeral homes are comprehensive facilities, where you can charge for funeral services to match with the needs and wants of a decedent and loved ones. The array of funeral services, especially those that include traditional services, like flowers and eulogies, are more expensive than simple processes, like direct cremations.

Disposition methods like direct cremations are performed without ceremony. Meaning that the deceased is taken from the place of death via a hearse or service car, then driven directly to a funeral home or crematorium for cremation. From there, the ashes can be claimed, sans traditional funeral services, within six weeks of incineration. It’s straightforward, and most people choose direct cremation to cover quick costs of disposition after death. The funeral portion can come later.

Burial and cremations are personal experiences that match up with the wants of the deceased and the beliefs of close friends and family. There are several funeral services that enable you to meaningfully remember your loved one. It simply requires preparation, time, and a good handle on the grieving process to help you cope with your choice of disposition methods and funerary options.

You can learn more about cremation services funeral homes in Havana, FL. Talk to us at Lifesong Funerals & Cremations to schedule a consultation and learn about cremation services/funeral home services. Visit our offices in Florida or call one of our locations.

What’s the Difference Between a Traditional Funeral and a Modern Celebration of Life?

Funeral homes in Havana, FL, are often known for their traditional funerary methods. Traditional funerals are characterized by a roster of classic services. For instance, the funeral might begin with a meet and greet of the close family of the deceased, followed by formal words by either a church officiant or funeral director. The eulogy is custom, often written by the funeral director, and followed by the decedent’s favorite hymns, songs, quotes, or poems. There could even be multiple eulogies, reworded as stories and memories from loved ones.

However, there’s nothing saying that traditional funerals are always the best way to go about saying farewell to a deceased loved one. Modern celebrations of life have soared in popularity, with more people planning their own funerary services in accordance with good times and their favorite memories. Most celebrations of life don’t take place in a funeral home, but instead are held somewhere special, like a decedent’s home or favorite place.

Both Traditional Funerals and Celebrations of Life Can Have Eulogies… What Should You Say?

Some people fly by the proverbial seat of their pants when reciting eulogies. However, if you’re the organized type, there are better ways that you can plan eulogies that tug on heartstrings and evoke strong emotions from your audience.

Sit down somewhere quiet and reminisce. Conjure all of the good things about your loved one. Write them down in no particular order. Include some of your favorite memories and stories.

When you’ve narrowed your memories down to a short list of good points, organize a draft. Write in paragraphs and write as you speak.

Review your eulogy by reading it out loud, over and over again, until it sounds perfect. Practice your speech! Sometimes, even if you’re comfortable with speaking in public, it can be challenging to get through a eulogy for someone you loved. Practice will help you keep your strongest emotions in check.

Don’t feel rushed. Writing a eulogy usually takes one to two hours.

The average eulogy is 5 to 10 minutes in length. That’s roundabout 700 to 1500 words of meaningful content.

How Long Do Traditional Funerals Last in Comparison to Celebrations of Life?

Traditional funerals can last from one to two hours, with one hour for the funerary services and forty minutes to one hour for visitations. Funeral homes are more rigid about funerary schedules, whereas celebrations of life are equivalent to parties or reunions for friends and family. Celebrations of life can be anywhere, and they can last for as long as guests see fit.

Funeral homes are ideal for traditional funerals and celebrations of life because everything you need is there. You can utilize whatever facilities would best suit your need for remembrance. While costs for funeral homes and traditional funeral services are steeper than celebrations of life, remembrance is an important part of the grieving process. Hence, regardless of your preferred funerary method, it’s imperative that you assess and accept the passing of a loved one in a healthy, peaceful way.

You can learn more about funeral homes in Havana, FL. Talk to us at Lifesong Funerals & Cremations to schedule a consultation and learn about cremation services/funeral home services. Visit our offices in Florida or call one of our locations.

Can You Host Both a Funeral and Cremation for a Loved One in the Same Day?

There’s a common misconception that cremation services funeral homes in Quincy, FL are quick and final, leaving no room for traditional funerary services. This couldn’t be further from the truth. Funerals are meant to help heal the living loved ones of the deceased. Ergo, while the disposition method is a bit simpler and more straightforward, the funeral service can be as lengthy, comprehensive, and complex as you see fit.

It’s possible to have a funeral and a cremation on the same day if the cremation follows the funeral. The timing will depend on the funeral home’s schedule, but most funeral homes will accommodate a request for same-day funerary and cremation services if loved ones want to be a part of both. It’s not unusual for a small group of friends and family to want to witness their loved one’s body being placed in the cremation chamber. It’s like a final act of closure for the grieving heart.

How Much Will a Funeral Cost with the Inclusion of Cremation?

On average, a full-service funeral, complete with floral arrangements, a visitation, and eulogies, can add up to around $7,000. Whereas cremation can cost anywhere from $1,000 to $3,000. However, that doesn’t always mean that a funeral with the inclusion of cremation will cost $10,000. Some funeral homes offer bundled services, where loved ones can save money towards a funerary budget by packaging full funerary services together.

Direct cremation, sans traditional funeral, would cost less at $500 to $2,500. That, however, doesn’t involve traditional funeral services, and a direct cremation means that you wouldn’t be able to witness the farewell of a loved one.

When you pay for a funeral too, you’re paying for a compassionate funeral director to take care of the services for you. This person will ensure you and your family and friends have quiet time and space to mourn, visit with the decedent (if that’s what you want), and process your grief in a safe place.

Some funeral homes will take requests for services. For instance, if there’s a favorite poem you want to be read or a favorite song you want to be played, the funeral director can work those elements into the final funeral services.

Can a Loved One Be Embalmed or Refrigerated for Visitation Even Though They are Scheduled for Cremation?

Yes – a decedent can be embalmed or refrigerated to slow decomposition for the purpose of a public viewing or visitation. Embalming won’t affect the effectiveness of cremation. Sometimes a loved one will be scheduled for cremation directly after the funeral ends, then the family has six weeks to reclaim the ashes thereafter.

It’s possible to plan a cremation down to minute details. While cremation is a straightforward process, the funerary services themselves, including visitation, can be planned around the disposition method of choice. Ergo, you CAN have both a cremation and funeral in the same day. Simply talk to the funeral home to set it up in a way that works for everyone.

You can learn more about cremation services funeral homes in Quincy, FL. Talk to us at Lifesong Funerals & Cremations to schedule a consultation and learn about cremation services/funeral home services. Visit our offices in Florida or call one of our locations.