Friday, December 5, 2008

Considering Cremation Memorials

Nobody wants to think about death, whether it be the passing of a loved one or the eventual departure of themselves, but death and dying are a fact of life, and must be embraced by every one of us eventually. Although it is a sad affair for many, the passing of a life is something we must learn to deal with, and once accepted can become one of the most sacred and important things we every have to work with.

Accepting the eventual departure of yourself or a loved one is not something it is healthy to dwell on, but is something that it is good to reflect on occasionally. Once we accept this necessary transformation as a part of the cycle of life, we can create a ritual or sacred sense around the event that makes it more bearable and more meaningful for everyone involved. Instead of a sad and devastating event the departure of a loved one can become a celebration of life and a way of recognizing the deep and abiding love by those left behind. With thought, a memorial to a loved one can be a beautiful ceremony that truly reflects the impact that departed family member of friend has made on the lives of those around him or her.

Traditional casket burials are still the norm for most people, but another way to bring a unique and meaningful departure is to choose a cremation memorial. The selection of a beautiful hand made cremation urn or several of them to divide up amongst those who are left behind is a way to keep the memory of a loved one alive throughout all time. The act of cremation leaves a wide variety of possibilities open for the ceremonial distribution of the ashes, whether you choose to have your remains scattered from the highest peaks in your favorite mountain range, released on the water at your sacred ocean side location or kept as a memento by a loved and cherished family to be the centerpiece of a memorial display to you. A funeral urn can be a beautiful work of art as a final resting place for one's ashes.

Many other options are available to the one who chooses cremation, such as having a bit of ashes suspended in a hand made, one of a kind piece of memorial glass, memorial jewelry or sculpture. Bits of the ash are carefully and painstakingly worked into the object d’art and are preserved forever as part of a custom made sculpture that will eternally celebrate the memory of the loved one who has merged with the art.

Memorial textile art is another great way to celebrate the passing of a sacred life. Quilts, throws and wall hangings can all be made to order, and reflect the accomplishments and activities of a life well spent by incorporating photos, mementos, keepsakes and other objects into the work itself. Perfect for the backdrop of a memorial display or shrine to a persons memory, or for spreading over a favorite chair or table.

Jewelry is another way to keep memories alive, and can be combined with the memorial glass concept to make a beautiful, functional piece of art that incorporates a small amount of remains into the glass which is transformed into a one of a kind memorial keepsake that will serve as a constant reminder to the bearer of the beloved person who has touched their lives in such a deep way. Choosing cremation and memorial artworks is one of the best ways to celebrate the life of a loved on, or to prepare for your own departure.

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