Scattering Ceremony Ideas

Peter R.* asked about memorial ideas and cremated remains scattering. “Where can remains be scattered?”

As long as it is permitted by local regulations you can have a scattering memorial service or ceremony in any place that is meaningful to you or your loved one. Krause Funeral Homes has experience in helping facilitate scattering discussions with the proper authorities.

Many choose a traditional scattering where one or many release the cremated remains to the wind; however, there are endless ways to personalize a scattering ceremony. For some families the right choice is to scatter some of the remains and keep some remains in an urn or keepsake urn. A permanent plaque or other memorial noting the location of a scattering is another option.

It is important to discuss your wishes with family members and put specifics into writing.

Personalized Scattering Ideas

• Farewell Toast: Using special cups or glasses, cremated remains may be tossed simultaneously in a “toast” like gesture.

• Personalized Trench: Using a trowel or hoe, some choose to draw initials, a heart or a date into the Earth and fill with their loved one’s remains. It could be done on a beach, timed so that the remains slowly wash into the water as the tide rises.

• Circle of Life: Remains can be poured around a meaningful object like a tree or a group of candles. Loved ones may create a circle around the object and remains, sharing words of remembrance.

• Returning to the Earth: A rake may be used to ceremoniously mix the Earth with cremated remains. This is often how the remains are scattered in a memorial garden.

• Water Scattering: By using a water-soluble urn that gradually disperses the ashes back to the water or tossing cremated remains directly into the water a favorite lake or river could be a loved one’s final resting place.

• Aerial Scattering: Cremated remains may be professionally cast from a private plane over a specific location.

• Reef Construction: Cremated remains can be combined with concrete to create new marine habitats for fish and other forms of sea life.

• Artwork: Artists may combine cremated remains with oil paint and create a painting of choice, including portraits and landscapes.

• Fireworks: Professional pyrotechnicians have combined cremated remains with explosive materials and create a fireworks display in conjunction with a memorial service.

For more information contact us.