Understanding the Process of Dealing with Bones During Cremation

Cremation is a common practice in modern societies, and while funeral directors play a crucial role in preparing the deceased for viewing and attending the funeral service, their role does not extend to the actual process of cremation. This process is carried out by the staff at the crematorium.

What Funeral Directors Do Not Do

Funeral directors are responsible for several important tasks during a funeral service. They lay out the deceased in a coffin for viewing, make necessary arrangements for the funeral service and flowers, and assist in the burial process. However, cremation is a task handled by the staff at the crematorium, not by funeral directors. Even if the funeral service is conducted at the crematorium, the funeral director and pallbearers will be present, but they will not participate in the cremation process.

The Process of Cremation at the Crematorium

Once the deceased is placed into a special container and transported to the crematorium, the cremation process begins. The crematorium uses a machine called a cremulator to grind the bones into a fine powder. The cremulator is a powerful machine that pulverizes the remaining bone fragments.

The Cremation Process

The first step in the cremation process involves burning away the container in which the body is placed. This container is usually a cardboard box made for cremation purposes. Metal caskets, on the other hand, are not used because they can interfere with the process. The container is placed into the crematorium's furnace, known as a retort, which is lined with refractory firebrick and equipped with gas jets.

The cremation process begins with the container burning away, and the body's soft tissue is consumed. This process can take 15 minutes, during which time the body fat turns from black soot into a chalky white and eventually a brilliant white, which is primarily calcium oxide. This stage is referred to as the calcination of the bones. At this point, the bones are brittle, crumbly, and often warped, but they remain recognizable as human bones.

After the cremation process is complete, the retort is allowed to cool, and the cremated remains are extracted. The staff use long metal hoes to break up the bones, ensuring that all fragments fall through the slot in the retort platform into a metal chamber below. The remaining cremains are then transferred to a pulverizer, which grinds the bone fragments into a uniform size. The resulting powder is then carefully placed into containers for the survivors to collect.

The Final Cremains

The final cremains, as of about 35 years ago, were about an eighth of an inch in diameter. However, today, cremains are ground more finely, often to a powder. The resulting powder or finely crushed bone fragments are collected and given to the family. Survivors can choose to store the cremains in a simple box or urn, or they may opt for a smaller casket the size of a jewelry box. Regardless of the container chosen, the cremains serve as a tangible reminder of the deceased.

Why a Finely Ground Cremains is Preferred

Some funeral homes recommend grinding the final cremains to ensure smooth handling for the family. The mortician mentioned that if family members are pouring the cremains into a hole in the ground, it is best to have all the cremains run through a grinder. This is because the process removes any large pieces, such as teeth or bone fragments, which might be present. Grinding the cremains ensures that the entire process is clean and minimizes the risk of disturbing or grossing out the family.

Conclusion

Cremation is a sophisticated process handled by the staff at the crematorium, not by funeral directors. The process involves burning the body to ash and then grinding the remaining bone fragments into a fine powder. This final product is then returned to the family as a cherished remembrance. Understanding the process can help family members make informed decisions about how to handle the cremains.