Can You Watch the Cremation and Should You?
Watching your loved one get cremated can bring closure and improve your confidence in the cremation process. Is it possible? And should you? Find out here.
The short answer? Yes, you can. This is called Witness Cremation, and it is an arrangement you can make with cremation services in Biddeford, ME.
Read on for a more detailed answer and whether it is a good option for you.
What is Witness Cremation?
Witness cremation is also called cremation viewing. You get to see your loved one and say your final goodbyes.
The viewing typically occurs through a window. You can see the crematory operator take the body and place it in the cremation chamber.
Contrary to what most people expect, you actually don’t get to see the body being incinerated. No one does. The body is inside a cremation casket or container, and the chamber is completely enclosed.
Cremation viewing is on the rise as more people choose cremation as their preferred form of disposition. You can arrange one with most funeral homes or crematoriums for an extra fee for a limited number of people.
Plus, you may also have a small ceremony like a committal service (a brief final goodbye ritual usually performed at burials).
How much do you get to watch?
As mentioned, no one gets to watch the actual flames, so you can’t watch the entire process. Additionally, the cremation takes between 2 to 5 hours, so most cremation viewing only happens in the beginning.
There is a viewing room with a large window where you watch the operator take care of the body before transferring them into a cardboard box or cremation casket.
When they finish, the cremation operator slides the body into the chamber, closes the retort door, and switches it on by pushing the button.
Some crematories may allow you to push the button to light the fire, but you have to prearrange this.
How many people can watch?
The exact number of people varies for every crematory since available space is also a factor.
That said, only immediate family members are allowed to attend, and usually no more than ten people at a time. This typically means the spouse and children of the deceased.
Of course, exceptions can be made. That is why it is essential to have a conversation with the funeral director about the process beforehand.
Should you watch the cremation?
Watching your loved one being cremated is personal and can be very distressing. Therefore, it is not for everyone.
If you feel the scene might cause too much pain, it is okay to skip the process.
However, cremation witnessing is becoming the norm for a few good reasons. It helps:
- many people gain closure
- confident that it is their loved one’s ashes
- religious reasons such as Hindu and Buddhist traditions
Ultimately, the decision is in your hands. You can choose to witness the cremation and excuse yourself if it gets too overwhelming.
Witness cremation is one of several bespoke cremation services we provide in Biddeford, ME. If you have additional questions about it or wish to preplan your final arrangements, please reach out to us. Call us right now or visit our location here.
Blogs
