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Written by Adam McIlroy.
10 minute read
Despite the rising popularity of direct cremation as a form of funeral in the UK, there are plenty of myths about cremation that are still widely believed. These misconceptions can prevent people from exploring whether cremation or one of the different types of cremation could work for them.
Understanding the history of cremation can also help dispel some of the myths and offer reassurance about how the process has evolved. With that in mind, let’s take a closer look at some of the most commonly believed funeral myths, and shed some light on them.
Key takeaways:
Possibly the most widely believed cremation myth is that it is normal for more than one person to be cremated simultaneously, or that people are cremated in batches. It’s natural to worry about a process like death, which we cannot control, imagining that we will be cremated alongside a stranger by the crematorium staff in order to save time. But this is not the case.
In fact, crematoria are not permitted to cremate bodies simultaneously unless a specific request has been made by the applicant for a ‘joint’ or ‘shared’ cremation. A mother and baby who have both died in childbirth, or stillborn twins, for example, could be cremated together in the same coffin by request.
You can also rest assured that the cremator is always thoroughly cleaned between each use. This ensures that there is no unintentional mingling of ashes during the cremation process. Each coffin is checked against its cremation paperwork before use, and only one coffin enters the furnace at a time. This strict protocol ensures each person’s ashes are kept separate and correctly returned.
Given that each body is cremated inside its coffin, the reuse of a coffin is quite simply impossible. Once the person who has died has been enclosed within their coffin, it is sealed, and remains with them until the end of the cremation, meaning the coffin is burned at the cremation. Regulations require coffins, including all of their fittings and fixtures, to be suitable for cremation.
This means that things like the handles of the coffin could be made of plastic so that they melt during the cremation process. It’s for this reason that metal, ceramic and glass objects cannot be enclosed with the deceased in their coffin during cremation.
Finally, in order to extract any of the coffin fittings that were made of metal, e.g., the screws, and in some cases, the handles, the crematorium staff will pass a large magnet over the cremator. Before cremation, all hazardous items (like pacemakers or jewellery) are removed by the funeral director to avoid any risk during the process. This is part of how the body is prepared for cremation, which also includes gentle cleaning and ensuring the person is treated with dignity at every stage.
In fact, the law only requires a simple covering (a shroud or plain coffin board is allowed), so families can choose economical options without affecting the cremation.
Direct cremation is a form of funeral that is becoming more common in the UK, and its rise is due to three main factors:
Direct cremation offers an non-traditional option to those who are seeking an alternative funeral approach and more modern funeral for their own cremation, and it also tends to be a lot more affordable when compared to the average cost of a funeral in the UK.
A ‘pauper’s funeral’, or, to use the preferred term, a ‘public health funeral’, is often confused with a direct cremation. Many people think they are the same thing, however, this is not the case.
A ‘pauper’s funeral’ is a funeral ceremony that a local council is legally obliged to carry out for someone who lacked the means to pay for their own funeral, or any friends or family willing to take on the expense themselves. You can learn more about the difference between direct cremation and a ‘pauper’s funeral’ here.
Cremation furnaces generate intense heat (around 1800°F) that vaporises most of the body, leaving only bone fragments. The process uses heat, not flames, to break down the remains. At no point is the body literally set on fire with open flames; the intense heat in an enclosed chamber does the work.
Choosing cremation does not prevent any funeral rituals. Many families hold a full funeral service and then proceed to cremation, or display the urn at a ceremony after. Cremation simply adds flexibility – it does not eliminate traditional goodbye rituals.
Different religions have different official views on cremation. The Vatican has recently accepted the practice of cremation, but, in 2016, banned Catholics from keeping the ashes of their loved ones at home indefinitely. Protestant sects of Christianity have different views on cremation, and the Eastern and Greek Orthodox churches are fundamentally opposed to it (although the Greek church didn’t oppose a 2006 change to Greek law permitting the practice).
Beyond Christianity, cremation is forbidden in Islam and Orthodox Judaism, but permitted by Sikhs, Buddhists, Parsees and Hindus.
Cremated remains (often called ‘ashes’) are actually the pulverised bone of the deceased. They look like coarse, off-white sand. This distinction means there is no toxic residue – toxins are destroyed by heat.
Cremation occurs at such a high temperature that any toxins or bacteria from the body are destroyed in the process, so in this sense ashes are not dangerous. This is one reason why some people feel confident enough to put cremation ashes in a tattoo, or use them in memorial jewellery and keepsakes. However, in recent years, fuelled by the rising popularity of cremation, ashes are having an ever more detrimental impact on the environment.
People want to scatter the ashes of their loved ones in meaningful places to them, such as in rivers, the sea, on mountain tops, in forests, and even on the pitches of special football clubs. But higher levels of phosphate derived from the human bones in the ash can upset the ecological balance of these places. The Cremation Society gives some guidance on cremation etiquette here. Importantly, scattering ashes is generally legal in many places. While some public areas have restrictions, many parks, seas, and private lands allow it with permission. (Always check local rules, but it is not universally illegal.)
Understanding the facts about cremation can bring peace of mind—and when you’re ready to take the next step, Aura is here to support you. We offer direct cremation services that are simple, affordable, and respectful. If you’re exploring cremation as a meaningful alternative to a traditional funeral, our team is here to guide you with clarity and compassion.
From the moment you get in touch to the return of your loved one’s ashes, we handle every detail—so you can focus on what matters most.
If there are any questions that you’d like to ask our team about cremation, or if you’d like to discuss our prepaid direct cremation plans, we’d be more than happy to talk to you. Get in touch with a member of friendly team today.
If you have any questions, would like a brochure or simply would like a chat through our services, our award-winning team is here to help.
Unlike other providers, we won’t hassle you with constant calls. We’ll simply ensure you have the information you need and leave you to come to a decision in your own time. When you’re ready for us, our team will be ready to help.
During cremation, the body is exposed to extremely high heat — typically between 1000 and 1300°C — for one to three hours. This process reduces the body to bone fragments, which are then carefully processed into a fine ash.
Soft tissues and organs do not survive the cremation process. Most of what remains are small fragments of bone, along with traces of the cremation coffin. Any metal — like coffin handles or surgical implants — is either removed before cremation or carefully extracted afterwards using magnets.
So while it’s natural to wonder if certain body parts are left behind, the truth is that nothing recognisably human remains. The final ashes are clean, safe to handle, and made up entirely of sterile bone particles and remnants of the coffin.
No. UK crematoria only cremate one person at a time unless a joint cremation is specifically requested. The cremator is cleaned thoroughly between each use to ensure ashes are not mixed.
Coffins are not reused. Each person is cremated in a sealed coffin that is designed to burn during the process. This includes the handles and fittings, which must be suitable for cremation.
No, they are very different. A direct cremation is a private, affordable funeral choice made by individuals or families. A pauper’s funeral, or public health funeral, is arranged by local councils when no one is available to cover the cost.
Cremation is accepted in many religions, including Hinduism, Buddhism, Sikhism, and some branches of Christianity. However, it is not permitted in Islam and Orthodox Judaism.
Ashes are not harmful or toxic. Cremation destroys bacteria and toxins. However, scattering large quantities in environmentally sensitive areas can cause ecological imbalances due to phosphate content.
Ashes can be scattered in many meaningful places—such as rivers, mountains, or gardens—but it’s important to check local rules and environmental guidelines beforehand.
Rising costs, fewer religious funerals, and COVID-era changes have made direct cremation a more appealing option for many people. It offers a respectful, modern alternative without a service.
A certificate of cremation is a legal document issued by the crematorium after a person has been cremated. In the UK, it confirms that the cremation has taken place. This certificate is usually needed if you plan to scatter the ashes in certain places, transport them abroad, or carry out other legal or memorial arrangements.