First, let’s talk about a final farewell—scattering ashes near the sea. The scattering of ashes at sea usually is a very emotional moment. Funeral rites are always rife with complex emotions, and it always helps when you have the right words to help people in their time of grief.
Today, let's explore how you can express yourself during such an event. Here's what you need to know:
What Makes Scattering Ashes at Sea so Different From a Regular Funeral?
Ashes-scattering at sea has a lot of significance in different cultures and traditions. Although the traditions may vary, they all share some common points that are interesting to read.
Funerals typically are a time for family and friends to come together and express their thoughts and feelings.
While a funeral is typically a solemn event with many traditional elements, a sea burial is anything but. Some people choose to bring along some of their loved one's favorite things and use them to scatter the ashes.
What Should You Say?
There are no formal rules on how people should react to sea burials. There aren't any rules on what to say or do, either. However, it is a good idea to follow the local traditions if you're scattering the ashes of a loved one at sea.
For example, if you're in Hawaii, the Native Hawaiians traditionally scatter ashes into the ocean at the location where the person used to spend most of their time during the family's fishing trips.
In certain countries, such as Mexico, families usually scatter ashes at sea at a specific time of the year so that they can feel the presence of the deceased while they are fishing.
In other countries, it’s tradition to spread the ashes at sea during sunrise so that the ashes are carried by the waves rather than sinking to the bottom of the sea.
Ideas on What to Say
Say a Prayer
Like a traditional funeral, the scattering of ashes at sea is a time for prayer. It's common for people to recite a prayer or recite a poem that is special to the deceased.
Keep in mind that prayer is as unique as the person who is being remembered. You don't have to follow any rules or format. It can be any prayer, as long as it's sincere.
Share a Final Goodbye
One of the most exciting traditions people use to scatter ashes at sea is saying a final goodbye. You can say goodbye as a person and as a part of their favorite things.
You can also write a letter to your recently passed and say what you want to say while scattering the ashes. Make sure to include your strongest feelings and emotions.
You can also read a poem or a song that has a special meaning to the deceased. The poem or the song can help you express yourself better.
Talk to the One You Lost
You can also talk to your loved one while scattering ashes at sea. Try to talk to the sunrise or sunset, as it is a powerful symbol of good memories you shared.
Many people also talk to their loved one even though they’re not physically there. They say that it helps them feel closer to the person who passed on.
One of the advantages of scattering ashes at sea is that you can use anything to scatter the ashes. You can use a baseball, a flower, a piece of food, a note, or even a picture. The choices are unlimited.
You can also bring some of the things you and the deceased used to enjoy together and scatter them into the ocean. If you're doing it for a child who has passed away, you can bring a toy or a picture of them.
Say Something to the Sea
Although the sea is a powerful symbol of good memories, it's also a cold, merciless place. It is a place where people say a final goodbye.
Some people have difficulty saying a final goodbye, and it's a good idea to say something to the sea. You don't need to say anything at all. Just listen to the waves and the silence.
One of the most important things to remember is that there's no right or wrong thing to say. If you're feeling uneasy about scattering ashes at sea, it's better to leave it as a moment of silence.
You can also write your thoughts on paper and scatter the ashes with it if you want. It can be a piece of paper with your most powerful feelings.
Express Yourself
Although you do not have to do anything specific to scatter ashes at sea, bringing along some of your the deceased’s favorite things is a good idea. You don't have to bring anything along, but getting something special is a good idea.
The Bottom Line
As you can see, it's a good idea to follow local traditions when planning the ceremony. There are no formal rules or guidelines that people should follow. People should be left alone with their thoughts and emotions.
Whether you bring along some of your loved one’s favorite things or say a final goodbye, it’s a good idea to follow your heart. There are no formal rules when scattering ashes at sea—only your feelings.
If you are looking for reliable funeral services, we can help you. At Ashes 2 Oceans, we provide a unique nautical service to honor those that have passed while holding the highest regard and respect of the trust required to conduct a celebration of life on your behalf.
Our services offer a way for those not located near the ocean or without access to a vessel to still honor and commit a loved one's remains to the ocean via a scattering of ashes at sea. Contact us today to learn more.
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