What Can You Do With An Urn After Scattering The Ashes?

Losing a loved one can be a very difficult and emotional experience. After the cremation process, many families are left with an urn containing their loved one's ashes. While some may choose to keep the urn and ashes as a memorial, others decide to scatter the ashes. After scattering, many people wonder what to do with the urn afterwards. Here are some ideas for what to do with an urn after scattering the ashes.

1. Keep the urn as a memorial - One option is to keep the urn as a memorial. Some people find comfort in having a physical object to remember their loved one by. The urn can be kept in a special place in the home, such as a mantel or a display case. Keeping the urn in a special place can provide a sense of comfort and allow for ongoing remembrance.
2. Bury or inter the urn - Another option is to bury or inter the urn in a cemetery. This provides a permanent resting place for the ashes and allows family and friends to visit and pay their respects. The urn can be buried in a cemetery plot or interred in a columbarium or mausoleum. Many cemeteries have designated areas for cremated remains, and some even offer memorialization options such as plaques or markers.
3. Donate the urn - Some families may choose to donate the urn to hospice or a funeral home for future use. Donating the urn can provide comfort in knowing that it will be used to help others in their time of need. However, it is important to check with the organization beforehand to ensure they are willing to accept the donation.
4. Repurpose the urn - Another option is to repurpose the urn into a piece of art or a practical item. For example, the urn could be used as a vase for flowers, a stand for something, a decoration on a shelf, or as a container for special keepsakes.
5. Give the urn to a family member or friend - If there are family members or friends who were not able to attend the scattering ceremony, they may appreciate having the urn as a memento. Giving the urn to a family member or friend can allow them to have a physical object to remember the loved one by. It can also serve as a conversation starter for sharing memories and stories with others.
6. Use the urn to create a memorial garden - If you or your loved one were passionate about gardening or spending time outdoors, you could use the urn to create a memorial garden. You could fill the urn with soil and plant flowers or plants that were special to your loved one. This can be a beautiful way to remember them and create a peaceful space for reflection.
7. Grow a memorial tree - Similar to the idea of a memorial garden, you could use the urn to create a memorial tree. You could fill the urn with soil and plant a tree in it. This can be a symbolic way to honor your loved one and create a living memorial that will continue to grow and thrive for years to come.
8. Commission a work of art - If you want to create a unique and personalized way to honor your loved one, you could commission a work of art that incorporates the urn. This could be a sculpture, a painting, or another type of artwork that reflects your loved one’s personality, interests, or life story.
9. Use the urn to create a time capsule - If you have items that belonged to your loved one or that hold special meaning, you could create a time capsule using the urn. You could place the items inside the urn and seal it, along with a note or other information about your loved one. Then the urn could be gifted to the next generation. This can be a way to create a lasting tribute to your loved one that future generations can discover.
10. Keep the urn for future use - If you’re not sure what to do with the urn right away, you could simply keep it for future use. You could store it in a safe place and revisit the decision later, or pass it down to future generations as a family heirloom. This can be a way to ensure that your loved one’s memory is preserved for years to come, even if you’re not sure what to do with the urn at the moment.
11. Use the urn to create a memory box or shadow box - If you have photos, letters, or other memorabilia like a pocket watch that belonged to your loved one, you could use the urn to create a memory box. You could place the items inside the urn and keep it in a special place in your home. This can be a way to keep your loved one’s memory alive and create a special space for reflection and remembrance.

Ultimately, the decision of what to do with the urn is a personal one that should reflect the wishes of the deceased and the desires of the family. It is important to take time to consider all options and choose the one that feels right for you. Remember, there is no right or wrong way to handle the urn after scattering the ashes. The most important thing is to find a way to honor and remember the loved one in a way that is meaningful and personal.