Once your loved one is cremated, you may wonder what should be done with their ashes. You could choose to bury, entomb, keep, or scatter them. Now you can even turn your loved one’s ashes into jewelry or send them into space. Your loved one may have left specific instructions with what they wanted to happen or the decision may be completely up to you. There are numerous options available if you decide you want to scatter your loved one’s ashes. You can invite friends and loved ones to a ceremony and scatter the ashes, or you may want a smaller more intimate group to witness the scattering. It is up to you and what your loved one would have wanted. Here are just a few destinations you may want to consider when deciding where you want to place your loved one’s ashes.
- The ocean, a lake or a stream. Many people want their ashes to be placed in the ocean or another type of water body. They may feel close to the sea or enjoy a personal experience with the body of water they chose. Whatever the reason, it is popular to scatter ashes here. However, you will want to check for any legal requirements and restrictions prior to choosing this type of spot. You would also want to avoid any crowded areas where there is a lot of people around or any points where water may be extracted from that people may use. Remember it is important to consider others and check the legal requirements prior to making your final decision.
- The mountains. The mountains are another destination that people are drawn to scatter ashes. They make a beautiful backdrop when you are saying goodbye to your loved one, and this destination may also hold some personal meaning to your loved one. Remember to be wary of the environmental impact of your loved one’s ashes on this ecosystem, and you must also check the legal requirements and restrictions for performing this type of ceremony. Another thing to remember is that mountaintops can be extremely windy, and you will want to stand upwind as you scatter your loved one’s ashes.
- Sporting venues. Some people dream of scattering their ashes in their favorite sports teams fields or stadiums. Your loved one may want to scatter their ashes in a football or baseball field or a horse racing track. You will have to ask permission of the owner of the team or the sporting venue and see if it is even possible to place your loved one’s ashes in this destination prior to scattering your loved one’s ashes there. You should also keep in mind that once your loved one’s ashes are placed there, it may be hard to visit them in the future.
- Private land. You may decide that you want to scatter your loved one’s ashes on your land or another piece of land that meant a lot to your loved one. It may sound like the best idea. You can sprinkle your loved one’s ashes in your garden or your back yard and be able to visit them every day. However, you need to remember that if you or the homeowner decides to move, you may or may not be allowed by the new homeowner to visit your loved one’s final resting spot.
There are numerous things to consider before choosing a spot to place your loved one’s ashes. The environmental, legal and visitation factors can weigh heavily on your decision. You may also want to consider involving friends and family with the final decision, so they too are aware of your loved one’s final resting spot. Remember they too may want to visit their loved one every now and then. You could also consider placing your loved one’s ashes in multiple destinations. It can be a hard decision to make, but once you take everything into consideration the destination may be easier to choose than you think.
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