For the last several thousand years, cremation, as well as the scattering of ashes at sea, has been embraced by many cultures throughout the world, specifically throughout the Pacific Islands such as Hawaii. Both cremation and traditional burial have gone through periods of preference throughout history; however, in recent times cremation has proved a more desirable alternative for honoring the deceased.
Several of the East Indian religions such as Hinduism, Jainism, Sikhism, and Buddhism, not only embrace but also encourage ash scatterings as well as cremation as a means of burial. In religions such as these, the body is viewed as a housing for the soul. Based upon Hindu beliefs, this housing is made out of five basic elements: fire, water, air, earth, and space. When one of these elements ceases, so also does fire cease, and that form is sent to the original state. The fire through cremation is used as a way to complete this cycle.
Hawaiians believe that fire is also a key element for remembering the deceased. The islands' inhabitants, knowing the Hawaiian islands were formed from the combination of fire and water, believe that this is a metaphoric cycle of life that must be carried on into the memories of those lost. By scattering the ashes of their loved ones at sea, we are all reminded of life's journeys.
Cremation has historically been discouraged by the Christian culture; however in recent times, it is much more accepted by the alternate denominations. The original criticism of of cremation during early church history, resulted due to several key issues. Primarily, the church thought of the body as an instrument through which sacraments were received. Due to it being holy, and sacramental, it needed to be disposed of with reverence. This was due to the fact that many of the cremation practices of the early church's day were viewed as pagan and unsightly. Finally, the Church believed that by burning the body's remains it meant the refusal of the resurrection of the body, however this was refuted early on. When Protestantism began to spread throughout Europe and into the Americas, cremation became much more accepted and even encouraged.
As time progresses and cultures continue to develop and change, ash scatterings are becoming a more symbolic approach to commemorating the deceased, as opposed to the more traditional burials. By opting for an ash scattering, the family and/or friends can celebrate a loved one's life by participating in a ceremony that aides in bringing closure and acceptance to those left behind. No matter what cultural and geographical differences exist, ash scatterings are a timeless tradition that will continue to serve as a meaningful way to never forget those that have passed on.
Several of the East Indian religions such as Hinduism, Jainism, Sikhism, and Buddhism, not only embrace but also encourage ash scatterings as well as cremation as a means of burial. In religions such as these, the body is viewed as a housing for the soul. Based upon Hindu beliefs, this housing is made out of five basic elements: fire, water, air, earth, and space. When one of these elements ceases, so also does fire cease, and that form is sent to the original state. The fire through cremation is used as a way to complete this cycle.
Hawaiians believe that fire is also a key element for remembering the deceased. The islands' inhabitants, knowing the Hawaiian islands were formed from the combination of fire and water, believe that this is a metaphoric cycle of life that must be carried on into the memories of those lost. By scattering the ashes of their loved ones at sea, we are all reminded of life's journeys.
Cremation has historically been discouraged by the Christian culture; however in recent times, it is much more accepted by the alternate denominations. The original criticism of of cremation during early church history, resulted due to several key issues. Primarily, the church thought of the body as an instrument through which sacraments were received. Due to it being holy, and sacramental, it needed to be disposed of with reverence. This was due to the fact that many of the cremation practices of the early church's day were viewed as pagan and unsightly. Finally, the Church believed that by burning the body's remains it meant the refusal of the resurrection of the body, however this was refuted early on. When Protestantism began to spread throughout Europe and into the Americas, cremation became much more accepted and even encouraged.
As time progresses and cultures continue to develop and change, ash scatterings are becoming a more symbolic approach to commemorating the deceased, as opposed to the more traditional burials. By opting for an ash scattering, the family and/or friends can celebrate a loved one's life by participating in a ceremony that aides in bringing closure and acceptance to those left behind. No matter what cultural and geographical differences exist, ash scatterings are a timeless tradition that will continue to serve as a meaningful way to never forget those that have passed on.
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