What do you say when you scatter ashes?

What to say while scattering ashes
  1. A bit of background about the person who died and the kind of life they lived.
  2. A story or memory that means a lot to you – maybe something you'll always remember about them.
  3. Similar stories from other close friends and family members.
  4. One of your loved one's favourite songs or readings.


What do you say at Ash scattering?

If you would like to scatter your loved one's ashes at sea, you can consider saying: May (insert deceased individual's name) rest easy and move gently with the ebb and flow of the sea. You will be forever remembered. Let the gentle rocking of the ocean carry you away.

What do you say when placing ashes?

We have gathered here today, to lay ​name's ​remains, in their final resting place. Give me back into the earth so that I, will be part of all you see: the growing trees, the bursting buds, and the falling leaves.

How do you scatter ashes from a loved one?

Dig a small trench in the location of your choice, place the remains (or a biodegradable urn containing the ashes) within, and cover with soil. Raking is another technique used. Pour the remains on the surface of the soil and use a rake to mix the ashes.

What to say when spreading mother's ashes?

Here are some notable quotes that you can mention during the scattering of ashes:
  1. “To us, the ashes of our ancestors are sacred. ...
  2. “Lives are like rivers: Eventually they go where they must. ...
  3. “Every man's life ends the same way. ...
  4. “Ashes to Ashes”
  5. “She's in the Sun, the Wind, the Rain”
  6. “A Psalm of Life”


Scattering Ashes: What to Say



Is it OK to split ashes?

Because the cremated remains (a.k.a, "ashes") are a coarse, dusty material, just like sand or gravel they can be divided after cremation. This means that you are not limited to just one disposition option. Instead, you can divide the remains and: Keep the larger portion at home and scatter some at a favorite location.

Is it a sin to separate ashes?

The law considers ashes to be the same as a body, so is unwilling to rule for separating them amongst different parties.

Do human ashes sink in water?

Loved ones may place flowers, petals or floating candles into the water alongside the remains as a tribute. These will float on top of the water while the ashes sink below the surface.

What do you say when distributing ashes on Ash Wednesday?

When the priest applies the cross of ashes, he says to the worshiper: "“Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return.” He also may say “Repent and believe in the Gospel.”

What does the priest say when dispensing ashes?

When the priest applies ashes, he often says: "Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return.” The ashes are also a symbol of penance and are made from palm leaves that were used in last year's Palm Sunday services.

What are the two phrases used to impose the ashes?

A 12th-century missal, a ritual book with instructions on how to celebrate the Eucharist, indicates the words used when putting ashes on the forehead were: “Remember, man, that you are dust and to dust you shall return.” The phrase echoes God's words of reproach after Adam, according to the narrative in the Bible, ...

What does the priest say when he distributes ashes?

As the priest applies the ashes to a person, he speaks the words: 'Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return. ' Priests and deacons administer ashes during Mass and the faithful are invited to accept the ashes as a visible symbol of penance.”

Why can't you dump ashes in the ocean?

If ashes are to be scattered over water, the Federal Clean Water Act requires that cremated remains be scattered at least three nautical miles from land. The Clean Water Act also governs scattering in inland waters such as rivers or lakes.

Is there energy in cremated ashes?

It can remain for a long time. Because of this, their energy can still be felt by the living. In truth, the dead never leave us but are in another dimension of existence. There's nothing wrong with keeping a loved one's ashes in the house.

Why are human ashes different color?

In short, it's because the temperature of a cremation retort depends on the size of the person inside. A larger individual with a higher body-to-bone ratio will often have darker ashes than a thin individual with dense bones.

Will there be intimacy in heaven?

The question given to Jesus was who will be the woman's husband at the resurrection since she had several husbands. Jesus responded by saying that, like the angels, there won't be marriage in heaven. That doesn't mean there won't be sexual relationships in heaven. Marriage is required for sex only in this life.

How long can you keep human ashes?

The process for degrading is relatively short. Biodegradable urns speed the process but still may take up to twenty years to degrade. Once the biodegrade happens, the body will unite with the soil quickly.

Should Christians scatter ashes?

Here are the top cremation myths and what the Catholic church has to say about them. Cremated ashes can be scattered. Though the Pope and the Church approve of cremation, scattering of one's ashes is strictly prohibited.

Is it OK to touch human ashes?

Is it safe to touch cremated remains? A.) While it is safe, remains can get stuck to your skin quite easily. It's best to wear gloves or use a spoon to scoop out remains before scattering.

Do you have clothes on when you are cremated?

Are you clothed when you are cremated? Cremation of a body can be done with or without clothing. Typically, if there has been a traditional funeral (with the body) present, the deceased will be cremated in whatever clothing they were wearing.

What happens if you open an urn?

What Happens If You Open an Urn? Here's what happens when you open the plastic or cardboard urn that you'll receive from the funeral home or crematorium. Inside, you'll find the remains sealed in a plastic bag. You'll be able to see the ashes through the bag.

Can you be buried in the same casket as your spouse?

Yes — Depending upon the cemetery's policy, you may be able to save a grave space by having the cremains buried on top of the casketed remains of your spouse, or utilize the space provided next to him/her. Many cemeteries allow for multiple cremated remains to be interred in a single grave space.

What happens to human ashes in water?

Are Human Ashes Bad for the Ocean? Human ashes do not dissolve in the ocean's waters. However, being a coarse, gritty, sand-like substance, the ashes will scatter throughout the ocean with no negative effects. The EPA allows for cremated remains to be spread in the sea.

What to do with urn after scattering ashes?

Two of the most common answers for what to do with ashes after cremation is to place them in an urn, and then bury the urn in a cemetery or place it in a columbarium or mausoleum. A columbarium is a building with small niches, openings designed to hold urns.

Do you say anything when you get ashes?

As a human corpse decomposes, it turns to dust, or ash. The ashes placed on one's forehead are a symbol of that. As the priest applies them in a cross formation on someone's forehead, they will say either, “Turn away from sin and believe in the Gospel” or “Remember that you are dust, and unto dust you shall return.”