Cremation Creativity
A ramble about various cremain use32 total reviews
Comment from Sandra Stoner-Mitchell
I loved this post, and now I'm trying to think what I'd like done with mine. That would make a good contest, Helen, who can be the most original in what they want done with their ashes. I'm sure you would want to know this, so I'll tell you...
The Fore people, a once-isolated tribe in eastern Papua New Guinea, had a long-standing tradition of mortuary feasts -- eating the dead from their own community at funerals. Men consumed the flesh of their deceased relatives, while women and children ate the brain.
What are you having for dinner????? I'm going vegetarian!!! And I'm being cremated! I enjoyed reading you post, my friend. Warm hugs. Sandra xxx
reply by the author on 25-May-2022
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I loved this post, and now I'm trying to think what I'd like done with mine. That would make a good contest, Helen, who can be the most original in what they want done with their ashes. I'm sure you would want to know this, so I'll tell you...
The Fore people, a once-isolated tribe in eastern Papua New Guinea, had a long-standing tradition of mortuary feasts -- eating the dead from their own community at funerals. Men consumed the flesh of their deceased relatives, while women and children ate the brain.
What are you having for dinner????? I'm going vegetarian!!! And I'm being cremated! I enjoyed reading you post, my friend. Warm hugs. Sandra xxx
Comment Written 25-May-2022
reply by the author on 25-May-2022
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Oh my, how did you unearth this older post, Sandra? And thanks for the info about the Fore people. I looked for others and I thought there was a tribe in Africa but the only other was the Wari of South America. But one article talked about the Lord's Supper and that reminded me of how my Jewish friend was so put off by the communion when she visited a Catholic church. We can consume each other's writings! 💖💖😊Hugs!
Comment from Sanku
I never realised that the ashes, as we call it can be recycled to form meaningful items. Generally Hindus believe that the body should enrich the soil. From earth to earth. But nothing happens in the cremation grounds. These days it is electric crematorium and within an hour the ashes are given ,we take it to the ocean.
Thank you for the vast amount of knowledge you pass on to us
reply by the author on 22-May-2022
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I never realised that the ashes, as we call it can be recycled to form meaningful items. Generally Hindus believe that the body should enrich the soil. From earth to earth. But nothing happens in the cremation grounds. These days it is electric crematorium and within an hour the ashes are given ,we take it to the ocean.
Thank you for the vast amount of knowledge you pass on to us
Comment Written 21-May-2022
reply by the author on 22-May-2022
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Thank you for reviewing, Santha! Actually, I'm reading that the cremation process is polluting and there are "water cremations" as well as "recompose" to create soil from the remains. People are getting very inventive these days! Hugs and blessings!
Comment from eliz100
This is an interesting article. I learned the word cremains. I think another reason some people choose cremation is that we are a much more mobile society. Living and dying in the same place is not as common as it once was. I do not see any room for improvement. The pictures add to the story.
reply by the author on 21-May-2022
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This is an interesting article. I learned the word cremains. I think another reason some people choose cremation is that we are a much more mobile society. Living and dying in the same place is not as common as it once was. I do not see any room for improvement. The pictures add to the story.
Comment Written 20-May-2022
reply by the author on 21-May-2022
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Thank you! I was thinking that was a benefit. As it is, my parents' burial plots are so far away and I wonder about how easy it would be to visit. Appreciate the thoughtful review!
Blessings!
Comment from judiverse
Very timely subject. Cremation seems to be favored in my family. Some cousins who passed away recently opted for cremation. They could still have the kind of funeral services they wanted. I'd never thought about the cremains being used in the different ways you mentioned. Interesting material. There are advantages, as you mentioned. judi
reply by the author on 21-May-2022
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Very timely subject. Cremation seems to be favored in my family. Some cousins who passed away recently opted for cremation. They could still have the kind of funeral services they wanted. I'd never thought about the cremains being used in the different ways you mentioned. Interesting material. There are advantages, as you mentioned. judi
Comment Written 20-May-2022
reply by the author on 21-May-2022
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Thank you, Judi! I was thinking about my mom saying she'd prefer cremation but decades ago, they bought a burial plot and it's very expensive. My dad's family is against cremation but during the pandemic my aunt had to be cremated. I am open to it as God can create new bodies for us! Hugs and blessings!
Comment from Father Flaps
Hi Helen,
Wow! I had no idea that a person's ashes were used in so many different ways. I shudder at the prospect of using them in a painting. That doesn't seem very sacred to me. And adding them to bullets, vinyl records, a tattoo, a teddy bear, ceramic dishes, an hour glass, salt & pepper shakers, a Pringles can, or jewelry? It might be neat to have your ashes in an urn on the moon, though. Or on Mars? That would really be "out there"! I wonder how expensive it would be? Would it classify you as an astronaut?
I haven't dealt with the proposition yet. I'm 71, and the years seem to go by more quickly than they ever did before. But I plan on living to 100 at least, so I've got at least 29 years left. My two newest granddaughters will be about 31 when I take that final journey (unless the Lord returns before then... and I'm gone in the "twinkling of an eye"!)
My wife and I purchased two grave plots many years ago. But we've never added any other expense to it... (excavation, marker, engraving, etc.). I wonder about water damage. Why though? I'll be dead. By the way, I don't want a funeral. No way. I wouldn't do that to my family, and I've told them... Family only, and the pastor for one short prayer. And no flowers! I'd rather have pine branches!
My parents were cremated. But soul and spirit survive, and they will have a new, recognizable body in Heaven. What will we do there, I often wonder, for eternity? Don Francisco wrote a song about it. And I used it in many of my concerts years ago. I love the song. It's called "One Thing I Ask".
https://youtu.be/RSpVoAqi_RE
Hugs,
Kimbob
reply by the author on 20-May-2022
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Hi Helen,
Wow! I had no idea that a person's ashes were used in so many different ways. I shudder at the prospect of using them in a painting. That doesn't seem very sacred to me. And adding them to bullets, vinyl records, a tattoo, a teddy bear, ceramic dishes, an hour glass, salt & pepper shakers, a Pringles can, or jewelry? It might be neat to have your ashes in an urn on the moon, though. Or on Mars? That would really be "out there"! I wonder how expensive it would be? Would it classify you as an astronaut?
I haven't dealt with the proposition yet. I'm 71, and the years seem to go by more quickly than they ever did before. But I plan on living to 100 at least, so I've got at least 29 years left. My two newest granddaughters will be about 31 when I take that final journey (unless the Lord returns before then... and I'm gone in the "twinkling of an eye"!)
My wife and I purchased two grave plots many years ago. But we've never added any other expense to it... (excavation, marker, engraving, etc.). I wonder about water damage. Why though? I'll be dead. By the way, I don't want a funeral. No way. I wouldn't do that to my family, and I've told them... Family only, and the pastor for one short prayer. And no flowers! I'd rather have pine branches!
My parents were cremated. But soul and spirit survive, and they will have a new, recognizable body in Heaven. What will we do there, I often wonder, for eternity? Don Francisco wrote a song about it. And I used it in many of my concerts years ago. I love the song. It's called "One Thing I Ask".
https://youtu.be/RSpVoAqi_RE
Hugs,
Kimbob
Comment Written 20-May-2022
reply by the author on 20-May-2022
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Thank you for sharing and reviewing, Kimbob! Enjoyed the song and I love psalm 27. I liked the Courts of the King album of Ted Sandquist songs with Phil Keaggy. We used their songs in our wedding.
As for your idea of being sent to space, a small vial full can be sent to space or the moon by Elysium Space. But it's costly - $2500.
https://elysiumspace.com/the-experience/
Thank you for the super rating, too! Hugs and blessings!
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Phil Keaggy is such a terrific Christian and musician. So much talent! Here is my favorite of his music, with Mike Pachelli, called "The Wind and The Wheat"...
https://youtu.be/fQFs0mT9sRk
Music is so important to a church service, in my humble opinion. I consider myself so fortunate to still be able to play with my arthritic left hand.
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pure praise to God!
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I think Phil Keaggy is the most gifted guitarist! Love his music. I saw him in concert at our church when we were in Portland. He was a one man bad - it was superb!
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We're hoping to help out with the worship music but I haven't played regularly since I was in college. I need a nylon string narrow neck guitar for my small fingers! Glad that you can still play in spite of the arthritis. Keep praising Him!
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There's a real pretty Ovation guitar with a small neck. Various colors, but you might like the aqua marine.
E-Akustikgitarre Celebrity Elite Plus Mid Cutaway
Look it up.
Another great guitar for someone with a small hand would be the Taylor Academy 12 Acoustic Guitar - Natural
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Thanks! I'll look into it! I've resorted to playing my uke lately just for the ease in not having to stretch for those bar chords.
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Helen, you don't have to play bar chords. Do you own a capo?
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Yes, I do! I looked into a guitarlele but I'd always have to be transposing a fifth higher so if I play an Em, it would actually be an Am. I don't know. I have guitars but all mine have very wide necks because they are nylon stringed. I'll make do or keep playing the uke. 😂
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Do you know how to change chords using a capo? For example, as you just explained (I think), instead of playing an Am (as basically a bar chord), you can put your capo on the 5th fret and play the much easier Em there. You would (of course) have to change all your chords for the 5th fret.
Comment from Judy Lawless
This is wonderfully written, Helen, and you've told us about the many ways cremains have been distributed. I don't know if it's legal in Canada to spread cremains wherever we wish now. It didn't used to be, but really, who would ever know? The ashes of my former partner were spread on the lake he loved to visit as a child, his request. Thanks for sharing.
reply by the author on 20-May-2022
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This is wonderfully written, Helen, and you've told us about the many ways cremains have been distributed. I don't know if it's legal in Canada to spread cremains wherever we wish now. It didn't used to be, but really, who would ever know? The ashes of my former partner were spread on the lake he loved to visit as a child, his request. Thanks for sharing.
Comment Written 20-May-2022
reply by the author on 20-May-2022
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I was surprised that there were hollow canes where you could sprinkle cremains on a loved one's favorite hiking trail. Somehow to disperse them like that seemed odd to me. I didn't list all the possibilities. I'm glad that your loved one's ashes was spread on his favorite lake. That would make that place have special meaning. Thanks for sharing and reviewing, Judy! Hugs!
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You?re welcome, Helen. I?m sure there are many more creative ways people have come up with.
Comment from Debbie Pope
For me, this is probably one of your most helpful, informative posts. I have been thinking about cremation, but had no idea that it had become quite this popular. I had no idea that 80% of us baby boomers would choose cremation. You actually make it sound quite appealing.
Thanks for doing this one.
reply by the author on 20-May-2022
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For me, this is probably one of your most helpful, informative posts. I have been thinking about cremation, but had no idea that it had become quite this popular. I had no idea that 80% of us baby boomers would choose cremation. You actually make it sound quite appealing.
Thanks for doing this one.
Comment Written 20-May-2022
reply by the author on 20-May-2022
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I had to smile at some of the creative ways people have used cremains. Personally, I think they are finding that even the high heat of cremating is not good for the environment so there are water cremations and ways of a fast-pace composting which I like better. Even with the high heat of cremation, it doesn't burn up the bones so they have to do that separately so I am open to new ideas that our fellow baby boomers are coming up with all the time. Lol.
Thanks so much, Debbie! Hugs and blessings!
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I told my husband about your post. He was amazed. I can't wait to tell him about the fast-pace composting.
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I know of the one started here in Seattle area:
https://www.seattletimes.com/life/recompose-the-first-human-compositing-funeral-home-in-the-u-s-is-now-open-for-business/
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You know I was thinking--Oregon, Washington, they will be recomposing. Alabama, I don't think so. Not yet anyway.
Comment from LateBloomer
Hi Helen, a timely writing for all of us baby boomers, and I think you've shed positive lighting on the topic. Personally, I don't like cremation. I find it to be violent. I know someone who investigated the process. Cremation burns the flesh, but not the bones...so the bones are put into a huge grinder--it was all too much information me. I'm squirming as I'm typing this. Many people are choosing cremation because of burial costs. I like the hour glass idea. A friend of mine had her husband's ashes put into a cylinder that was placed into a mantle clock. Then he goes where she goes. I wish I could be buried in my backyard. I'd be very happy there, but that's not possible. Thank you for all your author's notes and photo. The acqua blue ring is appealing as well as a portrait painting. Well done. Keep the blue waters flowing. LateBloomer
reply by the author on 19-May-2022
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Hi Helen, a timely writing for all of us baby boomers, and I think you've shed positive lighting on the topic. Personally, I don't like cremation. I find it to be violent. I know someone who investigated the process. Cremation burns the flesh, but not the bones...so the bones are put into a huge grinder--it was all too much information me. I'm squirming as I'm typing this. Many people are choosing cremation because of burial costs. I like the hour glass idea. A friend of mine had her husband's ashes put into a cylinder that was placed into a mantle clock. Then he goes where she goes. I wish I could be buried in my backyard. I'd be very happy there, but that's not possible. Thank you for all your author's notes and photo. The acqua blue ring is appealing as well as a portrait painting. Well done. Keep the blue waters flowing. LateBloomer
Comment Written 19-May-2022
reply by the author on 19-May-2022
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Thank you, Margaret. I had the same feelings, especially about the bones - after all - that's why we know so much about humans millennia ago -because of those long lasting bones!
My neighbor was composted and after enough months of a fast process, they will deliver a truckload of soil to her daughter. It's odd but for those who love their garden, it's very special. Sorry about the strange topic. My mom was mentioning recently she'd prefer cremation than that burial plot they contracted with. Hugs!
Comment from Gypsy Blue Rose
I'm going to be cremated and I bought the burial cremetion service. I want to be scattered in the sea and wrote some poems for the service. Hopefully my family will be there. There's a place ...or several ones in San Diego. In some places you have to get a permission. Dean had his ahes planted with a new tree.
Thank you very much for the information.
Hugs and blessings â?¡
reply by the author on 19-May-2022
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I'm going to be cremated and I bought the burial cremetion service. I want to be scattered in the sea and wrote some poems for the service. Hopefully my family will be there. There's a place ...or several ones in San Diego. In some places you have to get a permission. Dean had his ahes planted with a new tree.
Thank you very much for the information.
Hugs and blessings â?¡
Comment Written 19-May-2022
reply by the author on 19-May-2022
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Thank you for sharing about all your service prepartions and for the generous stars, Gypsy! I remember that you wanted to scattered in the sea and how much you loved the Mediterranean Sea. Dean loved his trees so I'm glad his family can check on his tree. Hugs and blessings!
Comment from LJbutterfly
There is a lot of new information provided here for those who never considered cremation. I am surprised and like some of the creative ideas. But, ashes mixed in tattoo paint. Bizarre. I like the idea of ashes being mixed to create something memorable. The deceased person can live forever.
reply by the author on 19-May-2022
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There is a lot of new information provided here for those who never considered cremation. I am surprised and like some of the creative ideas. But, ashes mixed in tattoo paint. Bizarre. I like the idea of ashes being mixed to create something memorable. The deceased person can live forever.
Comment Written 19-May-2022
reply by the author on 19-May-2022
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Yes, I'm not sure I like the tattoo idea. Jewelry is one thing but to inject into the blood stream is odd. I didn't cover the more grotesque things. Thanks so much, Lorraine! Hugs!!
