Ash Scattering Ceremonies: What to Say

By: Matthew Funeral Home
Tuesday, September 8, 2020


It can be hard to come up with a eulogy for a funeral, but many people at least know how one should sound. As many people have less experience with ash scattering ceremonies, it can be harder to really understand what to say during such a somber moment. This article will go through some of the common choices that families make during ash scattering ceremonies. Talk with your family to pick the right one for your loved one’s scattering. 

Give a Brief Eulogy

Eulogies are best kept short and sweet, but especially for ash scattering ceremonies. Whereas one might tell a story about their loved one during a wake, try to keep it simple and dignified. Write out the eulogy ahead of time, and practice saying it. Ideally, you want to keep it brief. 

Prayer

Saying a prayer can be a lovely way to send off your loved one’s ashes. If you are not comfortable leading a prayer, or you cannot find one that suits your loved one, you should reach out to their place of worship to see if a pastor or clergy member can join the ceremony and lead the prayer.

Share a Favorite Quote

Quotes can be incredibly powerful, especially if they meant something to the deceased. A memorial quote, a favorite poem, a Bible verse, or a favorite song lyric can be a good place to start. Consider looking through your loved one’s books for inspiration. A dog-eared page can be a great place to find a good quote.

Open Mic

Consider opening the floor up to other family and friends to say something. Final goodbyes and shared thoughts can be cathartic to those in mourning, and can make for a truly memorable ceremony.

A Moment of Silence

Alternatively, a moment of silence can be a very good way to honor your loved one’s memory. A moment of silent reverence allows your loved one’s friends and family to have a moment to reflect on memories and thoughts, or to say a silent prayer to themselves.

For almost 50 years, Matthew Funeral Home has been serving the Staten Island community. We can help with almost every aspect of your loved one’s memorial service. Our family is here to serve yours, every step of the way.

Leave a comment
Name*:
Email:
Comment*:
Please enter the numbers and letters you see in the image. Note that the case of the letters entered matters.

Comments

Please wait

Previous Posts

Sensory Memory and Grief

Memories of lost loved ones can play a major part in our grief. If you see an old photo or an object that reminds you of a memory, you may be flooded with emotions. Sensory memories are those trigg...

Choosing the Right Funeral Home

When a loved one passes, or when pre-planning your funeral, it is important to choose a funeral home that you are comfortable with. Planning a funeral can seem daunting, especially when you are dea...

Should You Attend the Funeral of an Ex-Spouse?

When a loved one dies, it can seem obvious that you should attend the funeral. However, when it comes to your ex-spouse, it can get trickier. Divorces and separations can drastically affect the par...

Firefighter Funeral Services

When a firefighter passes away, there are often special practices associated with their funeral services. This is especially true if they died in the line of duty. Below, we will discuss the differ...

Survivor's Guilt & Coping with Grief

After a traumatic or sudden passing of a loved one, it is common for people to experience Survivor’s Guilt. Survivor’s Guilt is a type of grief that creates feelings of wrong-doing surrounding ...

Consoling Non-Religious Mourners

After the death of a loved one, it is common to say platitudes to the family like “they're in a better place” and “I’m praying for you.” But what if the family member of the loved one is non-religi...

Meditation and Working Through Grief

Meditation is a practice for fostering balance and serenity. More people turn to meditation as a way to find peace in a hectic work week, or to help them stay focused. Big tech companies like Googl...

Terminal Illnesses and Grief

When a loved one is diagnosed with a terminal illness, it can be hard to process your grief and be there for them. Often, family and friends can be an important support network for the sick individ...

Remembering Mom On Mother's Day

As Mother’s Day draws closer, it can be hard to avoid all the greeting card stands and gift displays in stores. After losing your mother, the upcoming holiday can feel bittersweet. Below, we will d...

Phobias and Funerals

Fear can be a powerful driving force in life, but it can also play a big part in dealing with death. Everyone fears something, and fear can often stop us from experiencing new and unique things. Wh...