10 Surprising Facts About Cremation

Losing a loved one is never easy. In the midst of grief, families are faced with making difficult decisions about final arrangements. One choice that has become increasingly common on Long Island is cremation. For many, cremation provides flexibility, affordability, and meaningful ways to honor a loved one’s memory.

At St. Charles Monuments, we have been guiding Long Island families through this process for decades, offering support in selecting cemetery monuments, cremation memorials, and columbarium niches. If you are considering cremation for yourself or a loved one, understanding the facts can make the process easier.

First, Some History on Cremation

Did you know that prior to World War I, cremation was prohibited by the Protestant Church? In the Catholic Church, cremation only became an acceptable option in 1963. As a funeral arrangement method, cremation has recently become a much more popular option.

Some prefer cremation because it’s quick, and others because it can provide a more meaningful resting place.

1. Burial Can Happen After Cremation

Many people are surprised to learn that cremation does not mean ashes must be kept at home or scattered. In fact, cremated remains can still be buried in a cemetery plot. This provides families with a permanent place of remembrance, complete with a headstone or monument.

Because urns are smaller than caskets, some cemeteries even allow multiple urns to be buried in a single plot, making it a meaningful option for families who want to remain together. In some cases, an urn vault is required to protect the remains and prevent direct contact with the soil.

2. It’s Possible to Hold a Funeral After Cremation

Cremation does not prevent you from holding a funeral or memorial. Families often plan a viewing before cremation or a service afterward with the urn present.

Many Long Island funeral homes and places of worship welcome families who want to celebrate their loved one’s life this way. After the service, families can bury the urn, place it in a columbarium, or display it at home.

3. Columbariums Store Ashes

A columbarium stores urns in secure niches, usually within a cemetery or church. Choosing a columbarium ensures your loved one rests in a permanent, sacred place where family and friends can visit for years to come.

On Long Island, more families now prefer columbariums as an alternative to traditional burials. Each niche can also include a plaque or engraving to preserve your loved one’s legacy.

4. Cremation Requires Extremely High Temperatures

Cremation involves specialized equipment that reaches 1,400 to 1,800 degrees Fahrenheit. Most crematories use natural gas, which helps complete the process with care and efficiency. These temperatures ensure that cremation happens thoroughly and respectfully.

5. Cremation is a Cheaper Option

Traditional burials often cost more because they involve a casket, cemetery plot, headstone, and other fees. Cremation usually costs less, making it a practical choice for many families on Long Island.

Lower cost does not mean less meaning. Families still choose beautiful memorial options like cremation benches, cemetery monuments, or a niche in a Long Island columbarium.

6. Each Cremation Is Handled Individually

Contrary to what some believe, crematories never process multiple cremations in the same chamber. Each cremation happens individually, with full respect for the person and their family.

Long Island crematories follow strict procedures to ensure families receive the correct remains, providing peace of mind during a difficult time.

7. The Cremation Process Takes 2-3 Hours

The cremation process usually lasts two to three hours, depending on body size and equipment. Afterward, staff carefully place the remains in a temporary urn or a container chosen by the family.

This efficiency allows families to move forward with memorial services or interment without long delays.

8. Cremation Has Ancient Roots

Cultures around the world have practiced cremation for thousands of years. Ancient Greeks, Romans, and Hindus used cremation as a way to symbolize purification or spiritual transformation.

Today, cremation continues this tradition while offering families modern flexibility and choice.

9. Families Receive the Remains with Care

Crematories and funeral homes follow strict rules to protect families and their loved ones. Furthermore, the staff documents every step, identify the remains throughout the process, and return them directly to the family.

On Long Island, crematories operate under local and state laws that ensure respect and dignity at every stage.

10. Ashes Can Be Memorialized in Many Ways

While some families choose to scatter ashes in a meaningful place or keep them at home, others prefer a permanent memorial option. On Long Island, families often choose to:

• Inter ashes in a columbarium for lasting remembrance.
• Bury ashes in a cemetery plot alongside family.
• Place them in a cremation monument or bench for a personal tribute.
• Create keepsake jewelry or urns to hold a small portion of remains.

Furthermore, local laws may allow for ashes to be buried on private property, though regulations vary. Whatever the choice, the goal is to create a lasting connection for loved ones to visit and reflect.

Choosing Cremation Monuments and Columbariums on Long Island

Cremation opens the door to many possibilities for honoring a loved one. Whether you prefer a traditional burial, a columbarium niche, or a personalized cremation monument, the decision should reflect your loved one’s life and provide comfort for your family.

At St. Charles Monuments, we specialize in guiding Long Island families through these important choices. From selecting the right urn or columbarium placement to designing a monument that tells your loved one’s story, our compassionate team is here to help every step of the way.

Final Thoughts From St. Charles Monuments

Cremation is no longer an uncommon choice. It is a meaningful and flexible option that allows families to create lasting tributes in many different ways. Whether you choose a columbarium on Long Island, a traditional burial with an urn, or another personalized memorial, the key is to create a space of remembrance that brings peace and healing.

If you are exploring cremation monuments, urns, or columbarium services on Long Island, St. Charles Monuments is here to guide you with care and expertise.