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Why Use an Urn?

What Is A Cremation Urn?

As the name suggests, cremation urns are containers that are meant to hold the cremated remains of a deceased.

Purchasing a cremation urn, however, is not mandatory as the ashes can also be collected in a temporary container or transparent plastic bag provided by the crematory.

Nevertheless, it is suggested to get an urn and store the cremation ashes in it when planning to place the remains in a niche within a columbarium.

Similarly, you will need a cremation urn when considering getting the ashes entombed in a crypt within a mausoleum.


Cremation urn

Besides, you may opt to keep the cremated remains in an urn while burying the ashes in a family burial plot or urn garden. Biodegradable urns are considered particularly good in this regard.

These urns are environment-friendly as they are made from sustainable materials like natural clay, plant fibers, recycled paper, maple, etc.

 

Cremation urns are prepared from a variety of materials such as ceramic, granite, wood, crystal, glass, bronze, brass, stainless steel, resin, and so on.

Moreover, they are available in different shapes, styles, and sizes that can be expensive or affordable. Certain stores also offer options for personalizing cremation urns by engraving a few lines on the container.

Another smart and thoughtful idea is to place the cremation urns in a water-soluble urn and float it in water.

For instance, some water burial urns tend to float for a while and then slowly sink in water within a few minutes signifying the passing away of a loved one in a dignified way.

What do Cremated Remains Look Like?

On average, the cremains weighs about 3-7 pounds. The weight of cremated remains depends upon the size of the corpse. Similarly, the volume reduces to approximately one cubic inch (or a little less) per pound.

Double or companion urns, on the other hand, have a greater capacity of almost 300-600 cubic inches as they are designed to hold the cremated remains of two individuals.

It is suggested to consult a funeral home to help you determine the size of the urn you will need. In case the cremated remains do not fit in the urn, the crematory is likely to return the excess in a default container or plastic box.

Resources:

Cremation Association Of North America, Cremation Memorial Options

Wikipedia, Cremation

Wikipedia, Urn