Charming Ideas for Scattering Ashes Ceremony
There are many things to consider when preparing to spread a loved one's ashes, such as location, what type of burial you or your loved one would have wanted, weather conditions, timing, and other things that could be added to the ceremony to make it a memorable and heart-warming send off.
An important factor to think about is the vessel that will be used to carry your loved one's ashes. Scattering tubes are a secure and reliable way to carry and spread ashes, our biodegradable scattering tubes come in various different designs, materials and sizes, as well as sets.
Location
Spreading ashes is legal in most regions of the UK, however it is important to check if your chosen location is appropriate, some places may have guidelines in place or require you to get permission first.
Home and Cemetery Burial
There are numerous options when it comes to scattering ashes, a common choice is keeping the ashes close by with a family home garden burial. Whether a small intimate gathering or a louder assembly, having your beloved’s ashes close enough to visit every day may be a relief to those who can't bear the thought of parting with their dearly beloved. One thing to consider is that if one day you choose to sell and leave your home, you may not be able to visit the site again. It's also worth considering an earth burial in a cemetery, perhaps near a family grave - to keep family members together, where both family and friends can mourn them together.
Mountains and Cliffsides
Scattering ashes on a mountain/cliffside can create a sentimental send off as you watch your loved one's ashes blowing away into the air. When scattering ashes into the air, you want to make sure you're not standing against the wind, as this could cause the ashes to blow back onto you causing a distressing situation. One thing to consider is the fragility of the living plants near your chosen site, as you don’t want to harm the environment around you.
Forests and National Parks
Forests and National parks could be a great choice, as long as your designated area is not on private land – which then you would have to get permission for – the peaceful environment can be ideal for a ceremonial earth burial. A memorial tree can be planted nearby in dedication to your loved one, this can also act as a marker so you never lose the spot where your loved one’s ashes have been spread.
Beaches, Rivers and Lakes
If you’re considering a water burial, whether you choose a sandy beach or a running river, it is important that you are aware of the environmental agency's advice, this is to ensure the natural habitat stays protected and is respected. You also want to make sure you don’t scatter ashes where people swim or fish, a secluded area would be ideal. As you spread your beloveds' ashes into the water, releasing flower pedals with the ashes would make for a loving gesture, then you could watch the pedals drift away along with your loved ones remains.
If you plan to spread your loved one's ashes abroad, the airlines will permit you to carry our scattering tubes with your hand luggage.
Date and Time
Picking a date and time is also a major factor, perhaps an anniversary or another meaningful day for your loved one would be pleasant. If you're spreading your loved one's ashes in a public place, considering the time is important as you want privacy and peak times may disrupt your ceremony when there's a lot of people around. It is also important to be aware of weather conditions, heavy wind or rain may affect the way you wish to spread the ashes and spoil the day.
A Night Time Scattering
A night time scattering could be beautiful, after spreading the ashes, in dedication to your loved one, you, alongside family could release glowing lanterns into the night sky and watch them slowly drift away. You could also have a bonfire, surrounded by family and friends and write any last personal messages onto paper, to then throw into the fire. A firework display could also make an ash spreading ceremony memorable, there are even options to have the ashes infused into the fireworks, the ashes will be spread in the air as the fireworks go off.
A Daytime Scattering
If you choose to scatter your beloved’s ashes during the day, the release of butterflies or balloons could make the ceremony even more special. As the butterflies or balloons fly, family and friends could dedicate a poem or prayer for their loved one. Another way to reminisce your loved one’s memory is playing their favourite song either during or at the end of the ceremony, this could be an affectionate manner to honour their memory.
Spreading your loved one's ashes at sunset would make for a one-of-a-kind ceremony, while the sun reaches the end of its daily cycle – representing the circle of life as you present your loved one back into nature.
A milestone
Wherever you decide to spread your loved one's ashes, if you and family wish to visit the site again, you may want to consider adding some sort of milestone nearby to mark the area. Families could plant a memorial tree or get a bench/stone with a plaque in memory of their beloved.
If you wish to scatter your loved one's ashes at multiple places, you may be interested in our Bamboo Eco-Friendly Scattering Tube for Ashes Range set. Allowing family to divide the ashes for multiple locations or to keep some in a cremation urn. The locking mechanism gives you the ability to scatter and then re-secure the remaining ashes in the tube to then continue your journey.
Scattering your loved one's ashes can be an emotional experience. It is a ceremonial celebration of life and although it may be painful, there is beauty in the symbolic gesture of setting your beloved free. It gives mourners a sense of closure and a chance for a final goodbye.
