ROME:

The Italian Bishops’ Conference is preparing to publish updated norms on funeral rites including cremation and the burial of ashes.

The manual, which will be reviewed and approved by the bishops’ conference in Assisi on November 9,  will explain that Catholic doctrine does not oppose cremation but rejects the practice of storing ashes of loved ones at home.  The document will stress that this is a violation of the work of mercy that obliges Catholics to provide a holy burial to the dead.

Keeping the ashes of the dead at home does away with the important rite of accompanying the deceased to the cemetery, “which unites the community of believers.”  Burying the ashes at a cemetery, the “place of the dead,” is what makes most sense, the bishops will add.

Scattering the ashes, according to the Italian bishops, is based on a pagan ritual that supposedly symbolized the union of the deceased with “the great soul of mother earth,” and is contrary to the Christian obligation, established by the Lord Jesus himself, to bury the dead.

Continue reading “Church in Italy to issue clarification on cremation”

English Rose Urn

Introducing the English Rose and Black Orchid Scattering Urns. Durable, dignified and easy to use.

Black Orchid Urn

Each urn features a convenient removable lid that opens for simple scattering of the ashes.

Contains no metal or plastic components and can be recycled or composted after use.

Suitable for “in-cabin” airline transportation.

For families that choose scattering as a method of dispersing ashes, many still like to have a small portion of the ashes or a lock of hair incorporated into a small memorial such as a piece of cremation jewelry or keepsake urn . Others prefer creating a memorial that may include a memorial stepping stone , memorial garden plaque, or a statuary or garden memorial sculpture to honor their loved one. Garden stones and garden benches can also be used indoors or out, and all create loving touches in your sacred space. Whatever your decision, this is a personal choice that is meant to honor and represent your passed loved one as well as heal, restore, and remember the time and life that your loved one spent on Earth.

There are many ways that scattering methods can be used to create a personalized ceremony.

Some families like to scatter ashes from way up high, this lady is releasing a keepsake amount of cremated ashes from the Eiffel Tower in Paris.

Or this undisclosed location:

We prefer to keep it on the down low, whether spreading ashes on the ground or over the water:

U.S. Navy photo by Lt. Gabriel Hernandez

If you plan to spread the ashes on the ground, a shallow trench or groove can be dug in the soil or sand where the ashes can be placed. This process can be personalized by drawing out the person’s name or a heart shaped trench. Add candles or luminaries around the trench to create a spiritual ambiance and can be later used as a keepsake for those that attend.  Wildflower seeds and  tree plantings are another way to personalize the event. At the end of the ceremony, participants can either rake over the remains in the trench, or have the water from the ocean sweep the remains out to sea while family and friends join hands and remember the individual’s life.

The most common method of scattering ashes is known as “casting” , which is basically tossing the ashes into the wind.  Let’s talk about the WIND.  Consider wind direction and try to cast down to prevent “blow-back”.  The dense nature of human ashes combined with a fine powder forms a whitish-gray cloud when it becomes airborne.

Some families want to release the ashes all at once, and others want to spread the ashes as a group, each member taking a turn scattering the remains.

This family opted to split the ashes in individual envelopes, some DIY-ers use paper cups.   Your family funeral director can make this process much easier if you need assistance or have questions regarding this process.

Scattering tubes and biodegradable scattering urns are also available.

We’ve talked with several families that are planning an ash scattering ceremony that centers around a golf theme. Some plan to spread a portion of the ashes on the golf course or have a memorial service at the club house.

For easy scattering, our scattering tube simplifies the process and the urn is completely biodegradable and safe for in-cabin air travel.

Sometimes they want to divide a small portion of ash between family members and want a golf-themed keepsake urn.Families that want a full-size adult urn for the funeral or memorial service, or for placement in a vault, or cemetery niche, our airbrushed golf urn is a popular choice.

Thank you for letting us serve you.

We’ve marked down many of our urns in answer to our clients who are googling “cheap urns“.   We have several pages of discount urns and urn specials, including our metal urns with secure threaded lids, as well as the popular biodegradable Shell Urn, designed for scattering ashes over water.

Any questions? Please call for personal service.

Thank you for letting us serve you.

We sold out of our last collection of Raku urns, and just picked up some new pieces that we’re slowly adding to the site.

A sampling of our latest Raku urns from the garden potter:

Celtic urns are a popular choice, and this one of a kind art piece urn uses copper glazes and features a hand-carved Celtic knot emblem.

Another copper glazed urn using the Raku technique, is the nature- themed “Fern Urn”.

The sad thing about these urns, is that the pictures don’t do them justice.  They are much more attractive than depicted here.

Jessica wanted to create a memorial stone for a one of the dispatchers at the police station in Michigan.

We can do custom work but the logo she wanted to use was too small and multi-layered.

What else could we use? Police badge was out of the question, she wasn’t a cop. The town mascot is a Beaver.

“No”.

How about a dove for the dispatcher? The messenger.

Client loved it!

“I just received the stone this morning and it looks great.  Thanks again for all of your help.”

Stained glass image courtesy of Down East Stained Glass, check  their site for more beautiful custom stained glass designs.

My bleeding hearts are popping. So sweet to see.

How about some heart-shaped memorial stones for your Spring garden?

Weather-proof and durable, and best of all: