Unique Places to Scatter Ashes
Unique Places to Scatter Ashes
Most people who scatter the cremated remains of a loved one do so in the traditional places: a body of water, a garden, or a favorite patch of forest. Oceans and rivers are especially popular choices, as there is something about the rhythmic movement of the water that brings feelings of peace and continuity.
While all of these are great options, you may be seeking a more unique approach to scattering your loved one’s ashes. Although you will always need to follow local laws and health codes before you dispose of human remains (especially on public land), here are a few out-of-the-ordinary places to scatter ashes.
- School or University: Many people have fond memories of their high school and college days, especially if they were a star athlete or an important alumnus. Because these places tend to have quite a bit of land attached, you might be able to get permission to scatter the ashes here.
- Foreign Countries: If your loved one enjoyed travel (or if they always wanted to travel but never got the opportunity), consider taking their ashes on a whirlwind tour of exotic destinations. You do not have to go to the ends of the earth with the urn in tow, but traveling a little out of the way to scatter a portion (or all) of the ashes can make the event truly memorable.
- Places of Personal Interest: Where did you and the deceased first meet? First kiss? Get married? Share a heartfelt conversation? Any place that holds personal meaning for you and your loved ones can be a perfect place to scatter ashes, even if it is just a parking lot.
- Book/Movie Locations: If a loved one was a fan of a particular book or movie series, you might consider taking a tour of those locations and sites. Perhaps a trip through historic England for the Jane Austen fan. Or maybe New Zealand if Lord of the Rings was a favorite. By scattering small amounts of ashes over many different locations, you can make the most of your experience.
- Space: Not everyone can afford space travel for sending off a loved one’s ashes, but if money is not an obstacle and you want a truly celestial experience, memorial spaceflight might be worth looking into.
- Cemetery: It sounds strange, yes, but sometimes a cemetery is the best place for the ashes of a loved one. Even if you do not opt for a niche or burial plot for the ashes, scattering them in the idyllic setting of a cemetery could be ideal.
A few places NOT to scatter ashes: Theme parks, zoos, stadiums, and other places where large groups of people gather for recreation tend to have strict rules against scattering remains. Although you might be tempted to dispose of the ashes here (especially if the deceased was a big fan of a particular sports team or theme park), bear in mind that you could face criminal or legal repercussions.
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