What is permitted and what is not? All the rules and ideas in a list.
After cremation, there are several ways to preserve or scatter the ashes. Some people find it comforting to keep (a portion of) the ashes at home in a special, intimate place. Others prefer to scatter the ashes in the cemetery (scattering lawn or woodland), have them buried in an urn field, or interred in a columbarium at the cemetery.
A few figures
In Flanders, 3 out of 4 deceased individuals are cremated. In 10 years, the number of cremations increased from 57% to 74%. In 2020, for example, 54,442 cremations were performed in the 12 Flemish crematoria.
Scattering lawn
You can choose to scatter the ashes of your loved one on the scattering lawn of the cemetery. This is also the cheapest method of ash disposition, as it is free in Flanders at the cemetery in the deceased's place of residence.
Columbarium
You can inter the ashes of your deceased loved one in a columbarium that is sealed with a memorial plaque or natural stone, bearing the name, date of birth, and date of death of the deceased. In Flanders, this is free of charge for a period of 10 years.
Urn field
One can also opt to bury the urn in an urn field, a field specifically for graves containing urns. Each grave can contain one or more urns and is covered with a plaque or natural stone.
Urn woodland or natural burial ground
You can have the ashes of your beloved interred in an urn woodland or natural burial ground. These are designated areas in a natural location where the ashes of the deceased can be scattered or buried in a biodegradable urn. In this way, the deceased is literally returned to nature. Placing a memorial stone is not permitted there.
In the Scheldt or the North Sea
You can have the ashes scattered in the North Sea or in the Scheldt in a biodegradable or water-soluble urn. This is done through the municipal authorities of a number of Scheldt cities and coastal municipalities. For more information about this, please contact your funeral director or funeral celebrant.
Dividing the ashes
Each family member of the first and second degree can claim a symbolic portion of the ashes of the deceased. Ideal for a mini-urn or mourning jewelry, for example.
Keeping the ashes at home
Many people choose to take the ashes home and keep them in a beautiful urn.
Do you have a question?
You can call Ram Broekaert of Artemis at +32 476 31 75 60 (including weekends), or send an email. We will be happy to help you find a beautiful urn for your loved one.