Witnessing a Cremation: What You Need to Know

With cremation services in Boonville, CA. becoming increasing more popular, many people have questions. One that we often here is if you can witness the cremation. While some crematories do not allow for witnesses to be present, most times witness are permitted at the cremation. Keep reading to learn how this works. 

Why Witness a Cremation? 

Many people may wonder why families would want to witness their loved one’s cremation. To some people, this act may seem morbid or as if it would be too painful to watch. While witnessing a loved one’s cremation can be tough to watch, it can also help with the feeling of closure which in turn can actually help facilitate the act of healing. 

For other families, witnessing the cremation gives them a chance to say their final goodbyes. The family can take a minute before the cremation and have a private moment with their loved one to say any last words. 

Another reason is if the loved one had religious beliefs, such as Hinduism, that requires witnesses to be present for the act of their cremation. 

How Do Families Witness the Cremation? 

Most crematories will have the cremation chamber next to a witnessing room. The room for the witnesses will be decorated tastefully and made to feel comfortable. There is typically a glass window that is separating this room with the cremation chamber. 

What it’s time for the cremation, the family will be led into the witnessing room. They may have a few minutes before the body is brought into the cremation room. The body will remain in the cremation room for a few minutes while the family says their goodbyes and grieves. The body will then be placed into the cremation chamber and the door to the chamber will then be shut and secured. The cremation process will then begin. 

With cremations taking up to hours to complete, the family will not stay in the witness room the entire time. Normally, a few minutes after the cremation has started, a member of the funeral home staff will escort the family out of the witnessing room. 

What Happens After the Cremation 

When the body has been fully cremated and the process and all paperwork is complete, the cremains will then be returned to the family. This is normally done by placing the cremains in a temporary urn and providing that to the family. However, if the family bought an urn already, they could provide that to the funeral home and have their loved one’s cremains returned in that urn. 

Should You Witness Your Loved One’s Cremation? 

Deciding if your should witness your loved one’s cremation is a very personal choice. Don’t let anyone tell you what you should or shouldn’t do. Everyone grieves differently and what is therapeutic to one person, may be too much to handle for another. Simply search your heart and do what feels right for you. 

If you would like to know more about cremation services in Boonville, CA., please know that we are here and ready to help with whatever you may need.