More and more people are opting for cremation as a form of burial, in part because of the ability to keep their loved ones' ashes inside their own home. In this article, we will examine the rules to respect for storing ashes at home and how to dispose of them according to current laws, in order to make this gesture of love meaningful and respectful.
Cremation and the importance of cinerary urns
Cremation is governed by state legislation, while detailed regulations fall under regional and municipal jurisdiction. After cremation, what remains of the mortal remains must be preserved in a cinerary urn . This can be buried or inhumed in a niche, kept at home or the ashes can be scattered in the places permitted by law.
If the deceased expressed a desire to be cremated in a will or verbal request, he or she may also have indicated how he or she would like family members to care for his or her ashes. In the absence of specific indications, the closest family members (spouse and first degree relatives) can dispose of the ashes as they deem most appropriate.
Scattering the ashes in nature: a gesture of freedom
It is possible to scatter the ashes in designated areas within cemeteries, in the sea, in lakes and rivers (where permitted by law) and in private outdoor areas, provided that you have the permission of the owners and there is no purpose of profit. The scattering of ashes is prohibited in residential areas.
Keeping ashes in an urn: a tangible keepsake
If you decide to keep the ashes in an urn, it is essential to choose a quality urn that complies with regional and municipal regulations. The urn must be sealed and allow the identification of the deceased through his/her personal data.
It is possible to bury the urn in the cemetery or give it to family members, since the law allows the ashes of a deceased person to be kept at home, always in compliance with the established methods. This choice allows you to maintain a tangible and significant memory of your loved one.
To keep the ashes at home, it is necessary to submit a written request to the registrar of the municipality where the death occurred and attach to the request a certified copy of the published will or the deed from which the will of the deceased appears.
In the absence of a will, the request must be presented and signed by the spouse or closest relatives, who have received the moral task of choosing in place of the deceased.
The urn must be sealed and contain the personal data of the deceased, and its delivery to the family must be recorded. Once in possession of the urn, it is important to place it in a safe place where it cannot be stolen, removed or desecrated.
It is essential to remember that it is not possible to move the urn freely. If the person keeping it needs to move to another home, it is necessary to request authorization from the civil registrar.
Respect for rules and responsibilities of family members
Anyone who keeps a cinerary urn at home must respect the seals and not decide to scatter the ashes without authorization from the registrar, as this would be committing a criminal offence. If for any reason you no longer wish to keep the urn at home, you must formalize the renunciation of custody of the ashes by completing a signed declaration to be sent to the civil registrar. The latter undertakes the commitment to keep the urn at his expense in a cemetery.
Conclusion
Preserving the ashes of a loved one at home is an intimate and significant gesture, which requires respect and sensitivity. Informing yourself about current regulations and following the guidelines indicated in this article can help ensure that the memory of your loved one is honored in the most appropriate way. Choosing a quality cinerary urn and respecting current laws is essential to make this gesture of love a lasting and significant tribute.