Cremation is the process of ultimate disposal of a dead body carried out under very high temperatures ranging between 1500 and 2000. This procedure is done to lessen a body to its primitive elements and bone chunks. Cremation is done in a furnace known as a retort. The weight of the end products of this procedure depends upon the size of the body and ranges between four to nine pounds.
Forms of cremation services
There are four types of cremation services acceptable; that is,
Direct cremation: In this case, a body is cremated without a memorial ceremony. This is the most economical mode of cremation.
Cremation with a memorial service: This could be carried before or after the cremation process. A memorial service is held in memory of the loss of a loved one.
Cremation with traditional service: In this case, a traditional ritual service is carried out accompanied by the cremation process. This is probably the most expensive form of cremation.
Body donation to science cremation: This is a no cost program. Many places allow families to donate the bodies for use in science and research programs. If a body does not match what they require for their research, they will return the remains to the family within 4 weeks after cremation.
How the cremation process works
In Cortner Chapel, there are guidelines outlined that are adhered to strictly as a way of showing respect to the dead person. Papers have to be signed to prove that we have been allowed to handle the body. Family members then identify their loved one. An ID tag is placed on the body. Cremation is then done in steps:
The corpse is cleaned and adorned. All metal-like ornaments and jewelry are removed from the body to prevent the occurrence of any reactions when in the furnace. As per the cremation guidelines, no medical equipment is used more than once for cremation procedures.
The casket is then put in the retort that was heated up to about 1800 prior to the process. The casket should be made of a material that can burn and can hold the body in the cremation chamber.
The heat then sears the hair and skin, completely dries the bones and shrinks the muscles. The bones become brittle such that they can easily break. All the gases are released through the exhaust systems. The bones are then pulverized using a cremulator.
The cremation procedure takes about two to three hours. The remains are then disposed of according to the specific guidelines, or given to the family to burry or perform their rituals as per their wish.
