Articles and Advice

Where to Scatter Ashes to Properly Honor Your Loved Ones

Are you planning to scatter the ashes of your dearly departed? There is a lot of emotion in this ceremony, so you should make sure everything is in order to ensure this is a cherished memory.

Here’s everything you should know for choosing when and where to scatter ashes.

What Do You Need to Know About Scattering Ashes?

Scattering the remains of your loved ones can be a tender and emotional experience. When planning such a moment, there are several options you should consider:

• Have multiple scattering ceremonies. Some families wish to scatter all ashes at once. This may work for you, or you could scatter the ashes in various areas.

• Don’t hesitate to keep some of the remains. It’s perfectly normal for family members to hold onto ashes as a keepsake. Transfer any ashes you wish to keep in an air-tight container or a decorative burial urn.

• Use the vessel or your hands to scatter the ashes. Many people also wonder, “How do you scatter ashes?” Most often you can use the vessel that houses the ashes to toss them into the air. If you are comfortable handling the ashes yourself, you may also reach in with your hands to throw them.

• Release flower petals with the ashes. Releasing flower petals at the same time you scatter ashes makes it easier to follow the remains as they drift in the water or blow through the wind. You can even use the petals of your loved one’s favorite flower to add a level of reverence to the occasion.

• Stand upwind from where you want to scatter the ashes. Getting cremated remains in your eyes, hair, or mouth is not a memory you want.

• Scattering at sea using a biodegradable urn. If you choose to scatter ashes at sea, using a biodegradable urn is a method not requiring the use of hands, the urn gradually melts away.

Can Human Ashes Be Scattered Anywhere?

You probably have a specific place in mind for where to scatter the ashes of your loved one. However, you need to ensure you have permission to do so. 

Private Property

If the desired location is private property, which includes sports stadiums, college campuses, amusement parks, etc., you need to ask permission from a representative or owner. It’s best to get this permission in writing or as a recording.

Public Land

If you wish to scatter the ashes on public land that’s owned by the city, county, or state, you should contact a representative to ask for permission or check to see if you need a permit. This applies to both land and bodies of water.

As a general rule of thumb, always check with an official that represents an area before deciding where to scatter ashes. If you do not have this consent or are even denied the ability to scatter ashes, you should definitely not do so anyway. You should respect the owner’s wishes and beliefs, as not every religion supports cremation.

Common Places to Scatter Ashes

Here are some ideas to consider when choosing where to scatter the ashes of your loved one.

• National parks
• Their favorite outdoor spot
• The ocean (must be three nautical miles away from the nearest shoreline)
• Rivers or creeks
• Gardens
• Their favorite vacation spot
• A place they wanted to go, but never could

What Do You Say When You Scatter Ashes?

Whether or not you wish to say anything before or after you scatter the ashes is entirely up to you and the other people in attendance. Here are some ideas for what you may want to say:

• Say a prayer. You or another person may say the prayer, or you may ask a pastor or clergy to do so.

• Share the departed’s favorite quote. Whether it’s from a movie or just something they always used to say, choose a fitting line to say a final farewell.

• Give a eulogy. It should be brief for a scattering ceremony, focusing on being positive, joyful, and honest about the departed’s life.

• Take turns sharing a memory. If there are many people there for the scattering ceremony, leave time for anyone to share a thought if they wish to.

• Say nothing. It can be hard to find the right words during these moments. Instead, you can honor your loved one with a moment of silence.

Treat Your Dearly Departed with the Utmost Respect

Scattering your loved one’s ashes should be a special moment, so it’s essential to plan out the details so the whole ceremony goes as you envision.

If you have any questions about how you should handle your loved one’s cremated remains, please do not hesitate to contact All California Cremation. We would love to answer any questions you may have about the cremation process.