What do they do with your bones when you get cremated?

What’s really returned to you is the person’s skeleton. Once you burn off all the water, soft tissue, organs, skin, hair, cremation container/casket, etc., what you’re left with is bone. When complete, the bones are allowed to cool to a temperature that they can be handled and are placed into a processing machine.

Do bodies stand up during cremation?

While bodies do not sit up during cremation, something called the pugilistic stance may occur. This position is characterized as a defensive posture and has been seen to occur in bodies that have experienced extreme heat and burning.

Does cremation destroy bones?

The human body is primarily composed of water, carbon, and bone. When placed in the retort, the high temperature of the fire effectively vaporizes all the organic matter (tissues, organs, etc.) Typically, the only remains after the cremation process is complete are the fragments of the bone.

What doesn’t burn in a cremation?

The cremated remains that are returned to your family are actually bone fragments that have been processed down to resemble ashes. The cremation process does not actually burn the body and reduce it to ashes like a fire when it burns wood.

What is direct cremation and how does it work?

Direct cremation is a process where the remains are transferred directly to a cremation center without a funeral service beforehand. Because this approach eliminates the need for a funeral service and a casket purchase, it’s often the cheapest type of cremation.

What is it like to be a funeral director?

By profession, funeral directors develop a high emotional pain tolerance to death. It’s almost a syndrome that cannot be avoided. Funeral directors that do a good job will often immerse themselves into the families situation and even make it harder on their own emotions.

What happens to remains after cremation?

After cremation, the remains are inspected for any metal remnants left behind. This can be the result of items such as pins, screws, and joints the deceased had surgically placed during life. Metal is removed by hand or with strong magnets, and then it is often sent for recycling.

How much does cremation cost at a funeral home?

Prices at funeral homes vary wildly, with direct cremation costing $500 at one funeral home and $3,000 down the street. (Federal law requires that prices be provided over the phone.)