Cremation

Why having human remains land on the Moon poses difficult questions for members of several religions

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, February 13, 2024

Sending human remains to the Moon on the first commercial lunar lander, Peregrine 1, on Jan. 8, 2024, along with scientific instruments, caused a controversy.

Key Points: 
  • Sending human remains to the Moon on the first commercial lunar lander, Peregrine 1, on Jan. 8, 2024, along with scientific instruments, caused a controversy.
  • The inside of the lander was to be a kind of “space burial” for remains of some 70 people.
  • Each of the families had paid over US$12,000 for a permanent memorial on the Moon.

Jewish death rituals and purification

  • There were many ways in which one could become ritually unclean, and each level of pollution was cleansed by an appropriate purification rite.
  • After the Romans destroyed the Temple in 70 C.E., Jewish religious practice changed dramatically, including rules about purification.
  • These days, after a burial or visit to a cemetery, many Jewish people wash their hands to wash away negative spirits or energy.

Christian death rituals over the centuries

  • Corpses or cremated remains were interred in burial places outside cities and town – in the necropolis, literally a city of the dead.
  • As monotheists, Christians rejected belief in the Greek and Roman gods and goddesses, including the Moon goddess called Selene or Luna.
  • They also refused to participate in Roman state religious rituals or activities based on pagan polytheism.
  • Unlike some other religions, neither Judaism nor Christianity considers the Moon divine or sacred.
  • In both Jewish and Christian spiritual writing, the Moon is used as a spiritual analogy: in Judaism, of the majesty of God, and in Christianity, of Christ and the church.

Islamic beliefs on burial

  • After death, the deceased is ritually washed, wrapped in shrouds and brought for burial in a cemetery as soon as possible.
  • The soul of the deceased is said to visit their loved ones on the seventh and 40th days after death.
  • In September 2007, when the first Muslim astronaut from Malaysia got ready to go into space, the Malaysian National Space Agency published religious directives on burial rituals for Muslims in space.

Hindu and Buddhist funerary practices

  • Hinduism is a diverse religion, and so funeral practices often vary according to culture and context.
  • Most commonly, death and the period following a person’s death are associated with ritual pollution.
  • In the many forms of Buddhism, death provides an opportunity for mourners to reflect on the impermanence of all things.


In older forms of Buddhism in Nepal and Tibet, the Moon was understood to be identified with the god Chandra, who rides on a chariot. The Moon is also one of the nine astrological deities whose movement provides insight for reckoning individual and collective futures.

Difficult questions

  • Peregrine 1 never made its soft landing on the Moon because of an engine malfunction, and its payload was destroyed after entering the atmosphere.
  • As more people decide to send their ashes into space, however, religious conflicts are bound to arise.


The authors do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

Forget flowers, the greatest gift for 18th century romantics was the heart of a deceased lover

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, February 13, 2024

My research into 18th century preservation practices led me to a favourite book that details these heart histories of the famous and infamous: historian Charles Bradford’s quirky tome, Heart Burial (1933).

Key Points: 
  • My research into 18th century preservation practices led me to a favourite book that details these heart histories of the famous and infamous: historian Charles Bradford’s quirky tome, Heart Burial (1933).
  • Amazingly sweeping and entertaining, the book narrates the heart journeys of many – primarily western – military, religious and political figures.
  • One such figure, the diplomat Sir William Temple (1628-1699), is buried next to his wife in Westminster Abbey.
  • The practice of preserving the heart – the ancient symbol of the soul and emotion – was not uncommon.
  • But for people in the 18th century, as this case and others show, it also symbolised lovers being united in death.

Literary hearts

  • Perhaps the most storied literary heart is that of poet, Percy Bysshe Shelley (1792-1822).
  • Italian law required the cremation of a drowning victim’s body, so Shelley’s corpse was laid upon a funeral pyre on the shores of the sea, with literary luminaries such as Lord Byron and Leigh Hunt in attendance.
  • The Shelleys’ son, Sir Percy Florence, had his father’s heart encased in silver and placed on display at Boscombe Manor.
  • Upon his death in 1889, the heart was laid to rest in the family vault at St Peter’s Church, Bournemouth.

Hungry hearts

  • In May 1821, Napoleon Bonaparte’s corpse was autopsied over two days before it was to be transported from St Helena to France.
  • Napoleon had requested his intestines be preserved and given to his son, and his heart be sent to his wife Empress Marie-Louise.
  • When rumours circulated in January 1928 regarding the heart of renowned English novelist Thomas Hardy, many were in disbelief.
  • Placing the dead cat with the remainder of the heart in a box, he left the Hardy residence, surrounded by mourners, and proceeded to St Michael’s where the contents were buried.
  • Though Napoleon’s and Hardy’s storied hearts also serve as reminders, perhaps, that we shouldn’t take romantic traditions too seriously.


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Jolene Zigarovich does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

FTC Sends Warning Letters to Funeral Homes After First Undercover Phone Sweep

Retrieved on: 
Saturday, February 3, 2024

The Federal Trade Commission is sending warning letters to 39 funeral homes across the country after investigators conducted the agency’s first undercover phone sweep and discovered several violations of the Funeral Rule, including funeral homes that failed to provide accurate pricing information or failed to give out price information entirely.

Key Points: 
  • The Federal Trade Commission is sending warning letters to 39 funeral homes across the country after investigators conducted the agency’s first undercover phone sweep and discovered several violations of the Funeral Rule, including funeral homes that failed to provide accurate pricing information or failed to give out price information entirely.
  • The Funeral Rule gives consumers important rights when making funeral arrangements, including requiring that funeral homes must “tell persons who ask by telephone about the funeral provider’s offerings or prices any accurate information from [their] price lists….



On Average, 15 Homeless Veterans Die on the Streets Each Day

Retrieved on: 
Thursday, January 18, 2024

SAN DIEGO, Jan. 18, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- VETCOMM, a leading provider of innovative veteran's solutions, is announcing a "Hero's Farewell" initiative providing homeless vets who pass away while living on the streets the dignified, end-of-life honors they deserve. Starting in February with the City of San Diego, CA, VETCOMM will provide cremation and farewell ceremonies to homeless veterans lacking any family claims or connections.

Key Points: 
  • Starting in February with the City of San Diego, CA, VETCOMM will provide cremation and farewell ceremonies to homeless veterans lacking any family claims or connections.
  • According to the VA, 16.3% of homeless veterans die on the streets .
  • With approximately 35,574 veterans experiencing homelessness in 2022, that number could equate to as many as 5,600 veterans dying without awareness or acknowledgement.
  • "Approximately 15 homeless die while living on the streets each day – and many are unclaimed by familial relations.

REPORT on the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council amending Regulation (EU) 2017/852 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 17 May 2017 on mercury as regards dental amalgam and other mercury-added products[...]

Retrieved on: 
Sunday, January 14, 2024

REPORT on the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council amending Regulation (EU) 2017/852 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 17 May 2017 on mercury as regards dental amalgam and other mercury-added products subject to manufacturing, import and export restrictionsCommittee on the Environment, Public Health and Food SafetyMarlene Mortler Source : © European Union, 2024 - EP

Key Points: 


REPORT on the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council amending Regulation (EU) 2017/852 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 17 May 2017 on mercury as regards dental amalgam and other mercury-added products subject to manufacturing, import and export restrictionsCommittee on the Environment, Public Health and Food SafetyMarlene Mortler Source : © European Union, 2024 - EP

Baldwin Brothers Funeral & Cremation Society Opens New Location in Tarpon Springs

Retrieved on: 
Thursday, November 16, 2023

TARPON SPRINGS, Fla., Nov. 16, 2023 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Baldwin Brothers Funeral & Cremation Society of Florida proudly announces the opening of their new location in Tarpon Springs. The facility, which began operations in October, is located at 39346 US Hwy 19 N, Tarpon Springs, FL 34689.

Key Points: 
  • TARPON SPRINGS, Fla., Nov. 16, 2023 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Baldwin Brothers Funeral & Cremation Society of Florida proudly announces the opening of their new location in Tarpon Springs.
  • Baldwin Brothers has been serving local communities since 1980, offering compassionate and personalized funeral and cremation services.
  • Their Tarpon Springs location is equipped with modern amenities and a dedicated staff ready to assist with all funeral and cremation needs.
  • For more information or to make arrangements, contact Baldwin Brothers Funeral & Cremation Society at (727)-290-2015 or via email at [email protected] .

0% Interest, Other Options Available During Catholic Cemeteries Open House Weekends In Mahwah and Franklin Lakes, NJ in October

Retrieved on: 
Friday, September 22, 2023

The next open house weekend is scheduled for Saturday, September 30, and Sunday, October 1, at Maryrest Cemetery and Mausoleum in Mahwah, NJ, and Christ The King Cemetery in Franklin Lakes, both just 25 miles from New York City in Bergen County, NJ.

Key Points: 
  • The next open house weekend is scheduled for Saturday, September 30, and Sunday, October 1, at Maryrest Cemetery and Mausoleum in Mahwah, NJ, and Christ The King Cemetery in Franklin Lakes, both just 25 miles from New York City in Bergen County, NJ.
  • All open house events are scheduled from 8:30 am - 4:30 pm.
  • The cemeteries are located as follows: Maryrest Cemetery & Mausoleum, 770 Darlington Avenue, Mahwah, NJ.
  • All open house events are scheduled from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Lucas Funeral Homes and Cremation Services Announces Inaugural Lucas Annual Scholarship Program

Retrieved on: 
Friday, September 1, 2023

FORT WORTH, Texas, Sept. 1, 2023 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- In a significant move to nurture and empower the next generation of funeral service professionals, Lucas Funeral Homes and Cremation Services has proudly introduced the Lucas Annual Scholarship. This merit-based scholarship program is targeted towards students aspiring to make a mark in the funeral field.

Key Points: 
  • Lucas Funeral Homes and Cremation Services has proudly introduced the Lucas Annual Scholarship.
  • FORT WORTH, Texas, Sept. 1, 2023 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- In a significant move to nurture and empower the next generation of funeral service professionals, Lucas Funeral Homes and Cremation Services has proudly introduced the Lucas Annual Scholarship.
  • - Jimmy Lucas, Owner of Lucas Funeral Homes and Cremation Services
    Recognizing the importance of education and the rising costs associated with it, the scholarship aims to provide financial assistance to deserving candidates.
  • Jimmy Lucas, Owner of Lucas Funeral Homes, shared his enthusiasm for the initiative: "We are proud to give back to the future of the funeral profession.

For the 2nd year in a row, GetUrns.com Makes the Inc. 5000, at No. 2531 in 2023, With Three-Year Revenue Growth of 216 Percent

Retrieved on: 
Wednesday, August 30, 2023

NEW YORK, Aug. 30, 2023 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Inc. revealed today that GetUrns.com ranks No. 2531 on the 2023 Inc. 5000, its annual list of the fastest-growing private companies in America. The prestigious ranking provides a data-driven look at the most successful companies within the economy's most dynamic segment—its independent, entrepreneurial businesses. Facebook, Chobani, Under Armour, Microsoft, Patagonia, and many other household name brands gained their first national exposure as honorees on the Inc. 5000.

Key Points: 
  • GetUrns.com Secures Spot on Inc. 5000 at #2531 in 2023 with Remarkable 216% Revenue Growth.
  • 2531 on the 2023 Inc. 5000, its annual list of the fastest-growing private companies in America.
  • The prestigious ranking provides a data-driven look at the most successful companies within the economy's most dynamic segment—its independent, entrepreneurial businesses.
  • Among this year's top 500 companies, the average median three-year revenue growth rate ticked up to an astonishing 2,238 percent.