After cremation, the question of how to dispose of the remains arises. There are several options, each of which has its own rules and meanings. Whether you wish to preserve the remains, scatter them or bury them, this guide will help you make an informed decision based on your personal preferences and the wishes of the deceased.
Preserve the remains
Keeping the urn at home is an option popular with families wishing to maintain a tangible link with the deceased. However, it is advisable to choose a respectful location in order to showcase the urn. We must keep in mind that having the urn at home will prevent people from moving forward with the grieving process. At a certain point, it is important to “let go” of the deceased in order to conclude their mourning. Furthermore, when we die, what will our heirs do with the urn they found at home?
Scatter the remains
Scattering remains in a significant place, such as a forest, a mountain, a park, a river, a lake, or at sea, can symbolize a return to nature. The Law states, however, that the scattering of remains must respect human dignity and must not be done in a place where it could constitute a nuisance to others. On the other hand, by choosing to scatter the remains in kind, we deprive our loved ones of a permanent place to go and pray.
Bury the remains
Burial of ashes in a cemetery plot is the traditional method of disposing of ashes. It allows members of the same family to be brought together in the same place. The deceased can be commemorated there by inscribing their names in stone. In our cemeteries (Mount Royal, Trembles and Belvédère cemeteries) our land is sold in perpetuity, guaranteeing future generations the possibility of coming to pay their respects at the place where their ancestors are buried.
Quebec law stipulates that ashes that are buried in a container must be buried in a cemetery. In other words, it is illegal to bury an urn on private land.
Benefits of burial
Burial of ashes in a cemetery provides a permanent place of memory that is easily accessible to loved ones, guaranteeing a space for collective contemplation.
Place the ashes in a columbarium
A columbarium is a space designed to accommodate urns in niches. There are now several types of columbariums. Each of our cemeteries (Mont-Royal, des Trembles and Belvédère cemeteries) have indoor and outdoor columbariums. In interior columbariums, we find niches with a marble facade or a glass facade, the latter allowing us to see the urn, allowing us to maintain a certain form of visual contact with the deceased.
Transforming ashes into a unique keepsake
Today, it is possible to transform ashes into unique commemorative objects, allowing loved ones to keep a tangible memory of the deceased.
Funeral jewelry allows you to incorporate a small quantity of ashes into a pendant, ring or bracelet. This type of discreet memory allows you to keep a part of the deceased close to you on a daily basis.
Some specialized companies offer the option of incorporating the ashes into paintings or blown glass sculptures, creating a personalized artistic tribute.
Choosing how to dispose of the ashes is a personal decision that must be considered based on the wishes of the deceased and the family. Whether you prefer to preserve them, scatter them, bury them or place them in a columbarium, there is an option to suit every need.
Some modern solutions also make it possible to transform ashes into unique souvenirs, offering an original way to commemorate a loved one.
If you would like to obtain advice or find out more about the services offered, the Mount Royal Cemetery and Funeral Complex, Des Trembles Cemetery and Funeral Complex, and the Belvédère Cemetery and Funeral Complex are at your disposal to support you in this process, with respect and kindness.
