After a cremation, there are several ways to place or keep a loved one’s ashes. They may be kept in a cemetery or columbarium, scattered in nature, or placed in the ground on private property. Each option is governed by specific rules. Here are the key points to know so you can make an informed and respectful choice.
In a Cemetery or a Columbarium
Although visits to cemeteries are less common than they once were, this practice allows us to honour our loved ones in a place dedicated to them. As a shared space, the cemetery reflects the importance of maintaining a separation between the living and the deceased.
Columbaria, for their part, are made up of small compartments where cremation urns and photographs are placed. Personal items may sometimes be added, but you should verify in advance, as some locations do not allow this.
Columbaria may be located within a cemetery or inside a funeral home in a space specifically designed for this purpose. In either case, they provide a place for reflection close to the ashes of the deceased and express the same concern for respect and dignity.
It is worth noting, however, that access may be limited by distance, the accessibility of the site, and opening hours. Be sure to inquire about the terms and conditions as well as the length of the contract.
Cemeteries and columbaria are places of memory and reflection for future generations. They can reveal the history of a community and help us remember the lives of those who were part of it.
Scattering Ashes in Nature
Sometimes, in their final wishes, a loved one expresses the desire to have their ashes scattered in a specific place*. Often tied to a meaningful connection or symbolism, scattering ashes can therefore carry deep significance. When the time comes to do so, be sure to check that the direction of the wind is appropriate.
To balance the wishes of the deceased with those of family members who would like to keep a place where they can remember their loved one, it may be suggested to scatter only a small portion of the ashes and place the remainder in a columbarium or cemetery.
Placing Ashes in the Ground on Private Property
If the loved one had a strong attachment to their environment, families may wish to bury the ashes on private property, provided they are not placed in a container*. Such a decision can sometimes lead to regret when the time comes to sell the home to someone else. It may also be impossible to control how future owners use what has become a sacred place for the family. It is also worth noting that, for many people, simply planting a tree in memory of the deceased is in itself a meaningful gesture.
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* In Quebec, according to the Funeral Operations Act, no one may scatter human ashes in a place where they could cause a nuisance or in a way that does not respect the dignity of the deceased. In addition, placing ashes in the ground while they are contained in an urn or other container may only be done in a cemetery.