What is cremation?

Cremation is the process of reducing the body to bone fragments with intense heat. It is done at a temperature of approximately 1600 degrees Fahrenheit and takes about 2 to 3 hours. After cremation the bone fragments are allowed to cool before being processed and placed in a temporary packaging container or an urn. The amount of cremated remains left after cremation is approximately 3 to 8 pounds for and average sized adult.

There are three basic requirements by the State of Maine that must be met prior to cremation.

1. A 48 hour period must elapse after death and prior to cremation.

2. The body must be placed in a ‘suitable’ container that is combustible and easily handled, and that ensures the body is completely covered for dignity and sanitary purposes.

3. Required documentation of death has been issued, completed and filed as with any death in the State of Maine.

After cremation, the cremated remains may be buried, scattered, kept in a significant place or placed in a niche in a columbarium. Cremation is nothing more than a means of disposition where optional services or ceremonies may be arranged prior to or following cremation. Some believe that cremation limits your service options, but it actually provides more options. It is entirely possible and very common to have a viewing/visitation and ceremony prior to cremation just as it is with burial.

Two commonly asked question about cremation:

“Do I need to purchase a casket if I’m cremated?”

Caskets are usually purchased when a viewing or visitation is held prior to burial. For those families choosing cremation but still wishing to have a visitation, they may purchase a wood casket, a cremation oriented casket, or may use a cremation ‘rental’ casket. The cremation oriented caskets are nearly 100% combustible and are significantly less expensive than solid hardwood caskets. The cremation ‘rental’ casket is an option that allows a family to have services with viewing prior to cremation, without having to purchase a casket. A nominal fee is charged for its use and availability.

“Do I need to be embalmed if I’m going to be cremated?”

Embalming is usually required when there will be a service with viewing or visitation, an extended period prior to disposition or when shipping over a long distance. There is no law that requires embalming.

There is no funeral home or cremation service in the State of Maine that has an on-site crematory. All funeral homes and cremation services must be licensed by the State of Maine and operated by a licensed practitioner of funeral service within the state. A crematory, as required by law, must be within the grounds of a cemetery and must be operated by crematory personnel. Funeral homes that offer cremation services and cremation services can subcontract with any of the crematories in the state. There are currently 5 crematories operating in the State of Maine (one each in Portland, Saco, Auburn, Bangor and Presque Isle). For more information on cremation, visit the website of Mt. Hope Cemetery and Crematory at www.mthopebgr.com. Mt. Hope is the primary provider of cremation services to the Hampden-Gilpatrick Funeral Home.