The Cremation Process: Understanding What Happens in a Crematory

When a body is brought into a crematory, several steps are taken to ensure a respectful and efficient cremation process. Here’s an overview of what typically happens during each stage of the cremation process.

Arrival and Identification

The body is received at the crematory where staff verify the identity of the deceased through identification tags and documentation. This ensures that the correct individual is being cremated, providing dignity and respect for the deceased and their family.

Preparation

The body is prepared for cremation, which may involve removing any medical devices like pacemakers that could pose safety hazards during the process. Personal items or jewelry may also be removed if the family desires it.

Cremation Chamber Loading

The body is placed in a cremation chamber, often referred to as a retort, which is designed to withstand high temperatures and is equipped with advanced technology to ensure efficient combustion.

Cremation Process

The cremation process begins with the chamber being heated to temperatures between 1400°F to 1800°F (760°C to 982°C). This intense heat reduces the body to bone fragments and ash within a few hours, typically 1.5 to 3 hours, depending on various factors such as body size and the efficiency of the equipment.

Cooling and Processing

After cremation, the remains are allowed to cool. The bone fragments are then processed into a fine powder, often referred to as ashes.

Ashes Collection

The processed remains are collected and placed in a container or urn chosen by the family. The crematory staff ensures that the ashes are handled with care and respect.

Return to Family

Finally, the cremains are returned to the family along with any documentation related to the cremation. Throughout this process, crematories prioritize dignity and respect for the deceased and their families.

A Personal Journey Through Cremation

As a personal experience, I had to go through the cremation process twice—once with my dear Angel in 2016 and again with our beloved Bogart in 2018. Angel passed away due to lung cancer, and Bogart succumbed to canine distemper. The process involved bringing them to the only crematory in Pasay City, where I had to present necessary papers at the front desk, such as death certificates and other city papers.

During both processes, I had to haggle for the lowest possible prices, as I was without work and budgeting only on donations. The first time, I had to commute after the procedure and needed an affordable marble urn with extra costs for engraving. The second time, I had to use a tricycle at midnight to carry Bogart, knowing the crematory would charge double for overnight services.

In the crematory, the wooden coffin was not burned, but only the body in the clothes it had on. The process involves placing the body on a metal pan and lighting it up until it turns into a heap of grayish-white ash and whitish bones. Only a small piece of these bones was granted to me, which I kept with me for years before it too turned to ash.

Ultimately, the process was emotional and meaningful, as I had to confront the reality of losing my loved ones. The physical remains are a reminder of their presence in my life, even as they transition to another form.