Keeping Ashes at Home: What You Should Know Before Deciding

For those who decide to keep ashes at home, there are practical aspects to consider. The container, for example, should be durable and well-sealed. Quality cremation urns are available in various materials — wood, ceramic, brass, or marble — each with its own symbolic value.

Some families choose to divide ashes among relatives using small keepsake urns or jewelry pieces designed to hold a trace amount of remains. This can allow several family members to share in the remembrance without overwhelming one person emotionally.

It’s also important to think ahead about what will happen to the ashes in the future. Older adults, in particular, often include cremation instructions in their estate or end-of-life planning documents. This ensures their wishes are honored and that family members are spared confusion later.

If the decision is to scatter the ashes, always check local regulations. Certain parks, beaches, and public areas require permission. Many funeral homes and memorial services can help with these details, ensuring that the process remains respectful and lawful.

Emotional Healing and Respectful Closure

Whether ashes are kept, scattered, or interred, what matters most is the intention behind the act. The decision should come from a place of love, not guilt or fear. Holding on to ashes isn’t wrong if it helps one heal — but it should never trap a person in ongoing sorrow.

Continue reading…