Yes, ashes can be scattered at both private and public beaches and oceans. However, you will need to obtain permission from the local council or governing body before you do this. Can you take ashes on a plane? Most domestic and international flights will allow you to take ashes on flights.
You can spread ashes in the ocean, but you must comply with the Federal Clean Water Act. This means the ashes need to be at least three miles off shore and can't include anything that doesn't easily decompose (like a watch or jewelry) or non-human remains (like a special pet).
Spreading Ashes at Sea Is Allowed
According to the EPA, burial at sea of human remains – cremated or not – is permitted, but there are several scattering ashes laws and regulations that you need to follow: Any type of remains, including ashes, can only be placed in the ocean 3 nautical miles from land or more.
Thanks to cremation funerals, people can now have ashes scattering ceremonies to celebrate the life of a loved one who had a strong connection to the waters. The sea plays an important role in providing a befitting farewell to someone you love.
Biodegradable items like flowers and flower petals can be dropped into the ocean with the ashes. Items that are not safe for the water or marine life are not permitted. What happens to ashes scattered at sea? Human ashes are like sand and they do not float.
Dig a shallow hole on the beach when the tide is out, then pour the ashes into it and cover over with sand. As the tide comes in, the waves will wash over the ashes and carry them out to sea.
Cremation occurs at such a hot temperature all micro-organisms are destroyed, and the remaining ashes are inert. After cremation there are no public health risks associated with handling ashes.
As we scatter his (her) ashes, we commit his(her) body to you and pray that he finds eternal rest for the glory of your holy name. Lord, forgive us where we have strayed during this grieving season. Fill us with thanksgiving for his well-lived and full life. In Jesus' name, we believe and pray, Amen.
If you would like to scatter your loved one's ashes at sea, you can consider saying: May (insert deceased individual's name) rest easy and move gently with the ebb and flow of the sea. You will be forever remembered. Let the gentle rocking of the ocean carry you away.
What does the Bible say about cremation? According to most Biblical study websites, there is no explicit scriptural command for or against cremation. There are no passages that forbid cremation, according to most Biblical scholars. However, some passages describe standard death practices during these times.
You don't have to make a decision immediately after the cremation. Some people choose to wait to scatter the ashes on the first anniversary of their loved one's death to delay the need to make a decision. After a year of grieving, you might feel more prepared to make a decision about what to do with the ashes.
Cremains contain what is known as rest energy, sometimes referred to as free or dormant energy. This type of energy is still subject to the restraints of natural law, and can have no physical or spiritual impact on those around it.
While ocean placement is a favorite in Florida, many people prefer spreading the ashes over land. There are no laws in Florida which specifically prohibit the scattering of cremation ashes.
We will attempt to walk you through the process by giving you a guide based on the type of cremation urn you have in your possession. Before we begin, some people ask, “is it illegal to open an urn?” We can assure you that it is perfectly legal to open an urn.
You can either keep the ashes in a decorative, sealed urn, bury them in a small plot or memorial site, or scatter them at a special location chosen by you or your loved one. However, you will need to ask for permission if your chosen location is on public or private property.
However, it's important to remember that the Bible does not explicitly prohibit or endorse cremation or the keeping of ashes. Ultimately, the decision of what to do with the ashes of a loved one is a personal one, and should be made based on what feels right for the family.
In the Bible, there are no passages that prohibit or encourage cremation and scattering of ashes. However, many Christian sects believe a burial funeral aligns with best end-of-life practices. As a result, some Christian clerics may discourage cremation or prohibit it entirely.
As the priest applies the ashes to a person's forehead, he speaks the words: “Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return.” Alternatively, the priest may speak the words, “Repent and believe in the Gospel.”
If you are concerned that the ashes will smell after the cremation, the answer is no. There is no odor emitted from ashes that have been properly cremated. Even over time, you shouldn't expect any particular smells to develop. If anything, certain cremation containers will simply emit a slight incense-like smell.
Do human ashes dissolve in water? The "cremains" are calcium phosphates and other trace minerals left after the cremation process. Since these do not break down further, cremated ashes will not dissolve in water but rather be swept away and dispersed by the natural movement of the ocean, lake, or river.
The immense heat of the cremation ovens breaks down the body's organic matter, leaving bone fragments and teeth behind as they don't disintegrate during the cremation process. The actual ashes are thus useless as they won't contain DNA. But the bones and teeth could potentially hold some DNA viable for analysis.
Therefore, no two cremated remains are the same. In order for something to decompose, it must have organic substances in it. Since all of the organic matter is burned away during cremation, this is why ashes can last (almost) forever - or at least for our entire lifetime.
A person may want to keep ashes with them or have them nearby or place them in a piece of keepsake jewelry, create a memorial diamond or a parting stone. Regardless of the reason, dividing ashes allows everyone the freedom to do what they wish with their loved one's cremated remains.
The act of scattering ashes can symbolize “letting go,” and sending their loved one off on their next journey. The location of the ash scattering can also represent the deceased in some way, such as their favorite location or activity.