7 Creative and Thoughtful Cremation Ashes Ideas for Celebrating Loved Ones

Death is a natural part of life. But that doesn’t make the loss of a loved one any easier to handle.

Over 150,000 people pass away every day, leaving behind grief-stricken friends and family members. It’s in these moments that life can feel a little hopeless; sadness and pain linger in the air.

However, a glimmer of light can sometimes be found by coming together and commemorating their life. It’s for this reason that many families seek special ways to scatter somebody’s ashes.

After all, few goodbyes are as poignant as this one.

Creative cremation ashes ideas allow you to bid someone farewell in a fitting way that celebrates their memory. Are you looking for ideas to help you do exactly that?

Keep reading for 7 thoughtful ways to scatter a loved one’s ashes.

1. In a River, Ocean or Other Body of Water

Water ceremonies have become a popular means of scattering somebody’s ashes.

It’s no surprise.

Rivers, lakes, and oceans are magnetic places that tend to carry heavy symbolic value. They’re places of peace and calm, somewhere tranquil that you’d be happy to spend eternity alongside.

Ideas of purity, refreshment, and life itself are all inherent qualities of water.

Gather with friends and family at a favorite waterside location of your loved one. Scatter their ashes directly into the water, or find urns for sale and create a raft to place it upon the water with.

You’re sure to feel a growing sense of peace in the process.

2. With a Firework’s Display

Rather than commiserating somebody’s death, why not celebrate their life?

Few things mark a celebration quite like fireworks. They provide an amazing sensory experience, with a beautiful visual and auditory display. You also offer your loved one the ability to go out with a very literal bang! For people who were larger than life, they’d surely love that idea.

You could use fireworks in one of two ways.

The basic method would be to put on a standard fireworks display as you scatter their ashes over the ground. The second, and more creative way, is to incorporate the ashes themselves in a firework.

Send the ashes up in the air and watch them disappear in a wonderful show of color.

3. Planted Amongst Particular Seeds

Sprouting seeds are imbued with images of life and hope.

Thus, there’s something special about planting a select group of seeds in the ground alongside somebody’s ashes. Something deeply painful transforms into positivity.

It’s the contrast too: new life emerging from someone’s passing.

Another lovely aspect of this idea is how the flowers/plants that grow from the seeds will prove an ongoing reminder of the individual. Spend some time deliberating on the seeds to plant. You could find those of their favorite flower, herb or plant.

Every time you gaze upon the life that emerges, you’ll find yourself contemplate your loved one.

4. By Planting a Tree

Planting a tree offers many of the same connotations as the seeds.

Alive with symbolism, few things hold as much power and beauty as a tree. Plant a sapling alongside the scattered ashes. The tree will grow and mature, rising over time into a lasting and living memory of your loved one.

Again, life comes from death and flips negativity and sadness on its head.

The tree will help you keep their memory alive and well. You’ll watch it grow, forever reminded of the person buried amongst its roots.

5. In a Ceremony at Their Special Location

Most of us have certain places that we hold dear.

It might be an entire country, a particular park bench, or a favored holiday destination of our youth. No matter the specifics, scattering ashes in these locations proves instantly powerful.

You stand in the exact spot that your loved one valued so highly; where they stood, looked out at and enjoyed, just as you are now. You walk in their footsteps and feel their presence, as you scatter the last of their physical remains.

Think about a place that your loved one held in such regard. Organize a ceremony in the spot, say some words, and scatter the ashes. You’ll be able to come back again and again, each time reflecting and feeling closer to the person you’ve lost.

As an aside, though, note that restrictions can apply to scattering ashes in this way. Make sure you check the rules first.

6. With White Doves

What do you think of when you see a dove?

Life. Love. Purity. Goodness. Hope.

All positive things!

There’s a reason that dove releases have become such a popular way to commemorate and celebrate special occasions. They’re as suited to weddings as funerals; both benefiting from the deep symbolism of this beautiful bird.

Release the dove(s) and watch them fly with grace to new horizons. Everybody in attendance will be struck by the imagery- of the passing from one plane of existence to another; your loved one, lost but not forgotten.

7. By Releasing Sky Lanterns

Sky lanterns offer another creative means of bidding somebody farewell.

Light the candles and watch the lantern ascend with deep grace into the air. Wait until dusk for the greatest effect. The lanterns rise, lighting the sky like souls glowing on their journey to the other side of the abyss.

Lanterns create profound and heart-warming images of light, warmth, and an upward trajectory. You can’t help but feel more positive as a result. Attach the ashes to the lantern itself, or scatter them as you light the lantern.

Either way, you’ll create a special atmosphere that you’ll remember forever.

Try These Cremation Ashes Ideas

Life can be full of trials and tribulations.

But few ordeals are as heart breaking as the death of a loved one.

Finding thoughtful ways to scatter somebody’s ashes may help you find a light in the dark and commemorate their life. Hopefully, this article has provided a selection of cremation ashes ideas to help you decide the most fitting way to bid someone farewell.

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