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Ash Scattering Services

How to Spread Ashes in Ossining, NY

Complete Guide From Our Funeral Directors

A common way to honor your loved one after they’ve been cremated is to plan an ash scattering ceremony. To help your family create a meaningful ash scattering ceremony, we've provided some ash scattering ideas and rules to follow.

Why Do Families Choose Ash Scattering?

There are many reasons why a family may choose to do an ash scattering. A few of the most common reasons are wanting to be environmentally friendly, not identifying with a specific religion, wanting a more personalized sendoff, and being connected to a specific location.

 

Ashes Ceremony

Where to Scatter Ashes: Rules and Recommendations

We understand that funeral planning can be a difficult subject to talk about with your family. However, that doesn’t mean that it should be avoided altogether. In order to properly honor your life, they need to know your funeral preferences.

With pre-planning, you can organize your funeral wishes and get to know your loved ones a little better in the process. For example, you decide whether you want to be buried or cremated. And for funeral personalization, you and loved ones can ask each other questions about your passions and maybe learn something new about one another.

You also can pre-pay for your funeral when preplanning your funeral preferences. This way, it’s one more thing that’s taken care of, and your loved ones don’t have to worry about it when the time comes.

 

Overall, use your best judgment, ask permission when necessary, and be respectful when scattering ashes. If you’re unsure, our staff is happy to help you find a legal and meaningful ash scattering location.

 

Ash Scattering Ideas

The most common ash scattering methods are casting, trenching, water, and raking. We’ll discuss each of these ash scattering ideas in more detail below.

 

Casting

This is the most typical ash scattering method where the ashes are released into the wind and dispersed across an area of land or water. It’s a symbolic way to say goodbye to your loved one while honoring their memory. It also allows them to explore the special place you chose for the ash scattering. When doing this, make sure you know the wind direction and release the ashes downwind.

 

Trenching

For trenching, you dig a trench or hole in the ground and scatter the ashes inside. Then, your family can cover the hole together. Oftentimes, families dig a significant shape, such as a heart or their loved one’s initials. As for the location, it can be under a tree, in a flower bed, or another meaningful location. Another popular form of trenching is a ringing ceremony where a trench is dug in a circle around a tree or something else of significance. Or, you can put a meaningful object in the center of the circle, such as a candle, photo, or memento.

 

Water

A water ash scattering is exactly what it sounds like; it’s when you scatter the ashes across a body of water. Typically, you place the ashes inside a water-soluble urn that’s placed in the water. Then, the urn begins to dissolve after a few minutes and slowly release the ashes.

 

Other Unique Sendoffs

If you’re looking for a more unique sendoff to show off your loved one’s personality, then one of these options may be right for you. You can incorporate your loved one's ashes into fireworks, eternal reefs, and other unique tributes. Although our funeral home may or may not have the resources available to assist with these types of ash scatterings, there are many companies throughout the U.S. that specialize in these types of unique sendoffs.

 

Ash Scattering Ceremony

Depending on the ash scattering method, some ceremony types may be better suited than others. For example, with a casting, you may choose to have a formal ceremony with the releasing of wildflower seeds, biodegradable paper lanterns, or another environmentally friendly option in addition to your loved one’s ashes. Or, if you do a water ash scattering, you can still hold a releasing ceremony with one of the objects mentioned above where everyone can be present. The ceremony agenda can include readings, songs, eulogies, or other personalized elements.

 

Still Unsure? Talk to Us.

Our knowledgeable and experienced staff can assist your family in planning a beautiful ash scattering ceremony that honors your loved one’s life. We can help you choose a legal ash scattering location, select an ash scattering method, and plan the ceremony details. If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

 

 

Dorsey Funeral Home Inc.
Phone: (914) 941-0167
14 Emwilton Pl., Ossining, NY 10562

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