When people get buried, oftentimes the family may add in personal items to be buried with them. This could be things their loved one made known they wanted to be buried with or simply things the family would like to add. This is not a new practice as items have been buried alongside people as far back as the Egyptians. As providers of cremation services in Springfield, OR. we often get asked if the same can be done with cremation.
Items Allowed to be Included in Cremation
While you may not be able to have as much freedom in what is allowed due to safety restrictions, there are several personal items that can, in fact, be cremated alongside the body. Some of the items that are permitted include things like:
- Soft toys such as stuffed animals
- Letters – These could be old letters you had saved, or you could write a new letter to your loved one
- Wooden items such as rosary beads
- Pieces of special clothing
- Special photographs
- Flowers
- Books
- Some jewelry may be permitted
Items Not Allowed to be Cremated
As mentioned, there are some items that are simply not allowed. This is because they may be dangerous when they interact with extremely high heat. Also, some items are not allowed to burn as they are not good for the environment. Some of the most common items not allowed include:
- Pacemakers
- Bottles of alcohol
- Lighters
- Glass items
- Materials like rubber, latex, leather, and vinyl
- Glass or plastic jars or containers
- Anything with a battery in it
If you have any questions about a specific object you would like to place with your loved one, talk with the director and they can let you know if it is allowed or not. If an item is not allowed, they may be able to help you find an alternative item that would be permitted.
Is All Clothing Permitted in the Cremation?
Many people wonder about the clothing and if it can all be included in the cremation. While most clothing can in fact be included, there are certain instances where it may not be permitted. This is mostly just when there is a synthetic fabric or extra embellishment on the clothing. If you are unsure about a material or item, talk with your cremation provider as they will be able to tell you if it will be allowed or not.
Final Thoughts
If you are wanting to add personal items to your loved one’s cremation, make sure to make that known to your cremation provider right away. This is especially true if you have chosen to have a direct cremation as this process is very fast and may not allow time for items to be added prior to the cremation.
If you would like to know more about what items can and cannot be included in your loved one’s cremation services in Springfield, OR., give us a call anytime as we are always here to answer any questions you may have.
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