What is direct cremation?

Well it is the process of burning a body without any form of embalming or preparation. It’s also known as “no-frills” cremation and can be done at home or in an establishment specialising in this service type. Direct cremation has been around for centuries but was not widely used until recently because no facilities were available to do so safely. The advantages are obvious:

  • You don’t need a funeral director.
  • Your loved one doesn’t go through a viewing before burial.
  • You avoid making arrangements with someone who may charge extra fees for services they aren’t required by law to provide.

Disadvantages include the fact that some people find it challenging to deal with the idea of their dead relative being burned up, and many states require that bodies must be prepared before cremation. In addition, most insurance companies will only cover cremations if the deceased had previously undergone traditional preparations such as embalmment.

What happens during direct cremation?

The first step is usually to remove all jewellery from the body. Next, the person’s clothing is removed and placed on top of them. If the individual died while wearing clothes, these should be folded neatly and put into plastic bags. Afterwards, the body is washed thoroughly using soap and water. This helps prevent bacteria growth which could cause illness after death. Once clean, the body is wrapped tightly in sheets made out of paper or cloth.

The next step involves placing the body inside a metal container called a casket. Caskets come in different sizes depending upon how much space is needed between the lid and bottom of the box. Some caskets have lids that open like doors, allowing family members to view the remains. Others have hinged tops that allow access to the interior of the coffin. Most caskets contain two compartments – one for the head and neck area and another for the rest of the body.

After the body is placed in the casket, the lid is closed and secured. It is important to note that the casket does not seal off airtight. Therefore, the body needs to remain moist throughout the entire procedure. To ensure moisture retention, the casket is sealed shut with tape or other materials. A small hole is cut near the base of the casket, where ashes can later be inserted.
Once the casket is ready, the body is taken outside and set ablaze. Ashes are collected either immediately after the following combustion or within 24 hours. They’re then stored in urns or containers. These containers are often kept in the living room or kitchen of the house.

Cremating is a very personal decision. You’ll want to consider what kind of ceremony you’d prefer, whether you would rather bury or cremate your loved ones and whether you think it’s appropriate to burn human remains. There are pros and cons associated with each option, and choosing among them requires careful consideration. However, when making decisions about the funeral, remember that it’s ultimately your choice.