Scattering of Ashes Ceremony
Many people find closure and relief in scattering ashes at a favourite spot or memorable location after the death of a friend or loved one. It’s a good idea to plan out the ceremony before the day arrives once you’ve determined where you’d like to scatter the ashes and confirmed that it’s legal to do so. Readings or poems, music, sharing memories, and releasing the cremains can all be part of a scattering ashes ceremony. The ceremony will run more smoothly if you plan ahead of time how to spread ashes, what to say when scattering ashes, who will release the ashes, and other minor things.
Use this checklist to help you arrange an ashes scattering ceremony for a loved one.
Decide on the type of service you want.
Because there are no strict requirements for what must be included in a spreading ashes ceremony, you have complete freedom to create a ceremony that best represents your loved one’s personality and life. Take a look at some of the most frequent, as well as innovative, ideas we’ve come across:
- Casting Ceremony: This is a traditional ash scattering ceremony in which you allow the wind to carry your loved one wherever it wishes.
- Trenching the Ashes: A trenching ash scattering service is when you dig a hole, or trench, in which to disperse your loved one’s ashes.
- Lanterns to Guide Them Home: Say farewell to your loved one by scattering his or her ashes while releasing paper lanterns into the sky. The light represents the souls who have passed away and are now on their way to heaven. Make sure they’re not flammable and biodegradable.
- Cruise in the Bay: Board a cruiser and cruise to the a location in Port Phillip Bay. Then, allow the water to wash away your grief and carry your loved one to peace.
Establish the Sequence of Events
After you’ve decided on the formality of the ash scattering ceremony and who will conduct it, you’ll need to decide what will happen during it. Choose expressive ways to communicate something when scattering ashes, such as:
- Prayers or psalms
- Poems
- Music
- Quotes
Consider whether the deceased had any favourite sayings, poetry, or music that might be fitting for the occasion while choosing sayings, poems, or music. If not, there are plenty of general bereavement poetry, hymns, and prayers to choose from. Make a copy of everything that will be read, including the prayers and the eulogy, if one will be delivered.
Consider who will be invited to speak and what they should say when the ashes are scattered. There may be enough time for everyone to speak and share recollections of the deceased at a modest gathering. You might ask one or two persons to speak at a more formal occasion, or just have the family express their memories of the deceased.