Cremation
When the time comes to make final arrangements for themselves or a loved one, an increasing number of people are choosing cremation. Cremation is not an end in itself, but a time-honored preparation of the body in a process that leads to final disposition and memorialization of a loved one.
Why Choose Cremation?
The choice of cremation over traditional burial is a highly personal and individual decision. Cremation is often favored because it allows a variety of choices for interment and memorialization. For some people, cremation is preferred because of environmental concerns about the depletion of available land resources that cemetery burial requires. Others prefer cremation because it is less emotional than placing the entire remains of a loved one in the earth. From a practical perspective, cremation may be more efficient, convenient, and economical than traditional burial.
The History of Cremation
Cremation has roots in ancient religious and civil histories. Archeological evidence suggests that cremation began in Europe and Asia in the Stone Age, as early as 3,000 B.C. Decorative urns found across Europe that date from the Stone and Bronze Ages provide proof of early cremation ceremonies. In ancient Greece and Rome, cremation was a respected custom. Elaborate urns containing cremated remains were stored in structures specially designed for this purpose with numerous recessed vaults and niches, much like today's columbariums. By the time of Homer in 800 B.C., cremation was regarded as an efficient way to dispose of the bodies of slain warriors. The rise of the early Christian era in 400 A.D. encouraged burial in the ground as the preferred choice over cremation, a situation that lasted for the next 1,500 years. Cremation began to see a revival in Europe and the United States in the mid-1800s.
The Cremation Process
Cremation is the process of reducing the deceased human body to its most fundamental elements. It is conducted with dignity and respect for the deceased person at all times – before, during, and after the process is performed. The actual cremation procedure is conducted under the direction of professionals at crematoriums. In New York State these facilities are regulated by the New York Division of Cemeteries.
The body is cremated in a rigid container that may be a casket made of wood or metal, or a simpler receptacle. The body and container are placed in an enclosed chamber where they are reduced by heat and evaporation. When the process is complete, the cremated remains, which consist of primarily bone fragments rather than ashes, are placed in an urn or other container that is suitable for transport.
Ferncliff's Crematory
Our crematory is open seven days a week, and Ferncliff provides a ten-minute chapel service to the family with every cremation.
Our representatives as well as local funeral directors consult with families to answer questions about the cremation process, the selection of an urn to contain the remains, and the various options for interment and memorialization.
Ferncliff offers a variety of burial options for cremated remains. Please refer to the Cremation Memorialization tab for more information.
