What Happens to Cremation Ashes Over Time?
Cremation provides a unique way of honoring a loved one, transforming their physical remains into ashes that can be kept, scattered, or memorialized in a variety of ways. But what exactly happens to cremation ashes over time? Understanding the composition, natural breakdown, and long-term preservation of ashes can help you make informed decisions about how to handle your loved one’s ashes in the years that follow the cremation process.
In this article, we’ll explore what happens to cremation ashes as they age and how you can ensure they are preserved or honored in a meaningful way.
The Composition of Cremation Ashes
After cremation, what remains are the cremated remains, also known as "ashes," which are primarily made up of bone fragments and minerals. These fragments are ground down to a fine, sand-like consistency. Despite their soft and powdery texture, cremated remains are actually quite stable and durable.
The primary components of cremation ashes include:
Calcium phosphate: This is the main element, as bones are primarily made of this mineral.
Other minerals: Traces of other minerals such as magnesium, sodium, potassium, and trace amounts of metals can also be found in the ashes.
Bone fragments: While the bones are broken down during the cremation process, some fragments may remain visible.
Cremation ashes are not composed of organic matter and do not decompose in the same way that plant or animal remains do.
Stability of Ashes Over Time
Cremation ashes are incredibly stable, and if kept in proper conditions, they can last for many years without significant change. This is especially true for ashes stored in sealed urns or containers. The ashes’ composition remains largely unaffected by temperature or moisture, as long as they are not exposed to extreme conditions.
Some factors that can affect the long-term stability of ashes include:
Exposure to humidity: If ashes are stored in a container that isn’t sealed properly, moisture can eventually degrade the remains. This is especially important for containers kept in damp environments.
Exposure to light: Over time, sunlight and UV rays can cause the materials used in the urn or container to fade or discolor, but the ashes themselves will remain stable.
Physical disturbance: While ashes themselves do not decompose, frequent handling or shaking can cause them to lose some of their finer particles, especially if stored in a loose container.
To ensure your loved one’s ashes remain preserved, it's important to store them in a sealed, dry, and cool location. Many families choose urns that are specifically designed for long-term preservation, ensuring the ashes remain safe and intact for years.
Scattering Ashes: What Happens After the Act?
One of the most meaningful ways to honor a loved one’s memory is by scattering their ashes in a special location. Whether it’s on a mountaintop, by the ocean, or at a beloved national park, the ashes will eventually return to the earth, water, or sky.
What happens to the ashes after they are scattered?
In soil: When ashes are scattered on the earth, they mix with the soil and minerals. Over time, the minerals in the ashes—such as calcium—can enrich the soil, potentially contributing to the health of the plants and the surrounding ecosystem. However, ashes are not considered biodegradable, so while they may not decompose, their presence in the soil will not negatively impact the environment if scattered responsibly.
In water: When ashes are scattered in a body of water, they may float momentarily before being dispersed. Depending on the type of water—whether it’s fresh or saltwater—the ashes will eventually settle at the bottom, often enriching the ecosystem in the process. Ashes are typically safe to scatter in water, though it's important to consider regulations for certain bodies of water (such as protected areas).
In the air: Ashes scattered in the air during a ceremony (for example, by helicopter or airplane) will slowly fall and dissolve into the wind, eventually spreading out across a wide area. While the ashes themselves don’t degrade or vanish completely, they are widely dispersed and return to nature in a symbolic gesture.
Long-Term Preservation of Ashes: Storage and Memorialization
For families who wish to preserve the ashes for longer periods, there are several options for storing or memorializing the cremated remains in a way that protects them for future generations.
Sealed urns: A popular option is to keep the ashes in a sealed urn, either displayed at home or kept in a safe location. Many urns are designed to be airtight and durable, which ensures that the ashes remain intact for years. Some urns are also decorative, allowing them to serve as a lasting memorial in your home.
Biodegradable urns: If you want to memorialize the ashes while also contributing to the environment, biodegradable urns allow the ashes to be slowly absorbed into the earth, eventually becoming part of the soil or water. These urns often contain seeds so that the ashes can nourish a tree or plant as it grows.
Commemorative plaques or keepsakes: Families who want to keep a small portion of the ashes can choose to have them encased in a keepsake, such as a pendant, memorial plaque, or other jewelry. This allows you to keep a part of your loved one with you while still honoring their life in a meaningful way.
Scattering at multiple locations: Some families choose to divide the ashes and scatter portions of them in multiple significant locations. This can allow you to celebrate different aspects of the deceased’s life in places that were meaningful to them.
The Emotional Aspect of Ashes Over Time
In addition to their physical stability, cremation ashes can hold significant emotional weight. Over time, the process of holding onto or scattering ashes may evolve as your grief and memories change. For some, the presence of ashes offers a tangible connection to the person they’ve lost, while for others, scattering or memorializing the ashes in a meaningful way can provide a sense of closure.
It’s common for families to revisit the place where ashes were scattered, reflect on their memories, or add new tributes over the years. This can help preserve the emotional connection, ensuring that your loved one’s legacy lives on in the way you choose to honor them.
A Lasting Tribute
Cremation ashes are remarkably durable and stable over time, whether they are stored in an urn, scattered in a meaningful location, or memorialized in a keepsake. While ashes do not decompose or degrade in the same way as organic matter, their presence in nature can contribute to the environment in subtle ways, enriching the soil or water they’re scattered upon.
Ultimately, the most important thing is how you choose to honor your loved one’s memory and how you feel they should be remembered. Whether you choose to keep their ashes close or let them return to nature, the process of scattering or preserving ashes can provide a lasting tribute that reflects their life and legacy.
