Cremation
What is cremation?
The process of cremation of the body involves exposing the body to high temperatures until it turns into ash. The cremation itself takes place in a special chamber called a crematorium, which is designed to handle the high temperatures and protect the environment. The body is placed in a container and then placed in the cremation chamber. Once the chamber is heated to the proper temperature (usually around 1600-1800 degrees Fahrenheit), the container is exposed to the heat and the body begins to break down. The process takes several hours and once completed, the remains are cooled and then reduced to ash.
Cremation
Benefits of Cremation
There are many advantages to choosing cremation over traditional burial. One of the biggest benefits is cost. Cremation is generally less expensive than burial, as it does not require a coffin, a burial plot or a headstone. It also avoids the distressing process of exhumation
Another advantage of cremation is flexibility. Unlike burial, which requires a physical location, ashes can be kept in an urn or scattered in a location that is meaningful to the person or their family. This allows for more personalised memorial options and can provide a sense of closure for loved ones.
Finally, cremation is often seen as a more environmentally friendly option.
Cremation
Cremation is a growing trend in Europe, with more people choosing it instead of traditional burial. In fact, according to the Cremation Society of Great Britain, the cremation rate in Europe has risen from 22% in 1990 to over 75% in some countries today.
In Greece, cremations of bodies and bones have been carried out since 2019 at the Ritsona Cremation Centre in Evia.
The Cremation Centre operates in accordance with the applicable European
and national environmental legislation. It has state-of-the-art equipment and an automated electronic system for monitoring the cremation process by specially trained personnel.
The Centre's facilities include:
● Farewell room
● Refreshment area and atrium for farewell gatherings
● Waiting room for relatives and friends
● Remembrance area
● Showroom of urns and keepsakes
● Parking
Useful information
- Every individual may, before a notary, specify the type of their funeral service, the place of burial or cremation, the handling of
their ashes and the person or persons
who will carry out their wishes (Law 344/1976, art. 35A). - The cremation process
of a body takes 2-3 hours.
Useful information
- Relatives or next of kin of the deceased should contact the
funeral home of their choice
which then handles the cremation procedures in
cooperation with the Cremation Centre - The costs of cremation are covered by the insurance funds
as is also the case for burial.
Cremation of bones
Cremation of bones refers to the process of reducing the remains of a loved one to bone fragments through cremation. These bone fragments can then be placed in an urn, scattered at a meaningful location or even made into jewellery.
- It is cost-effective
- It offers great flexibility in the final arrangements.
- Environmentally friendly
- It eases grief