Ash Scattering Ceremony: Do's and Don'ts for Scattering Ashes

If you’re planning an ash scattering ceremony, there’s a good chance you may have never done it before or even participated in one. While attitudes and practices around memorializing those who have passed are shifting away from traditional funerals with caskets, ash scattering is still a relatively new phenomenon. Let’s take a quick look at some of the do’s and don’ts of ash scattering so you can plan your ceremony with ease and confidence.

What is an Ash Scattering Ceremony?

An ash scattering ceremony is similar to a funeral, except instead of burying a casket, the cremated remains of the departed are scattered across the earth or water. It holds a similar purpose and place in our hearts as a funeral or memorial service. The bereaved gather to mourn, offer comfort, and remember the departed beloved.

Many elements of an ash scattering ceremony are the same as a more traditional service. There can be music, speeches, pictures, and flowers, and it can include a wake. There are some prime differences between an ash scattering ceremony and a funeral. Scattering ceremonies are typically held outside, where the scattering takes place and can vary wildly in structure. You have a lot of leeway to plan a ceremony that brings you comfort and best honors your departed loved one. However, let’s look at the best practices for this kind of ceremony and what not to do.

Do You Have Permission or Permits When Scattering

While scattering your loved ones' ashes in their favorite park sounds meaningful, we highly recommend checking with your state, county, and city rules about scattering ashes. Most public places either prohibit scattering ashes or require a permit. For example, most national parks allow ash scattering with a permit, but some do not.

If you own property or have written permission from the owner, private property is ideal for an ash scattering ceremony. However, you could be charged with trespassing if you don’t have permission to scatter on someone’s land and are caught.

Scattering on the water is also complex; the rules vary from the ocean to inland water and state to state. The open sea is the simplest; as long as you’re three nautical miles from shore, you can scatter cremated human remains. Scattering on the beach is typically prohibited, but those rules may vary. It’s the same with rivers and lakes; check with your local authorities to find out what is permitted and if there are any forms to fill out.

Knowing the rules will allow you to make an informed decision about where to scatter. We share this information so you can avoid any potential unpleasant surprises during your ceremony.

Don't Commit a Crime to Scatter Ashes

In short, we recommend not committing a crime unknowingly when you scatter your loved ones' ashes. Don’t trespass on private property, don’t pollute a stream or river, or scatter on water if you need a permit.

Do Scatter Ashes Respectfully

Ash scattering can be a sacred, meaningful ritual that honors the life of the departed loved one and the grief and loss of those left behind. Be present with the process, whether it's only you or a large gathering. Be careful with the cremated remains; ensure the ashes are secured in a durable container, like a scattering urn that locks, so there aren’t any messy mishaps on the ceremony day.

Don't Leave Visible Ashes on the Ground

Don’t leave ashes where others can see them after scattering. Leaving visible ashes on the ground is one of the most critical “don’ts” of an ash scattering ceremony. Not only is “leaving no visible trace” a condition of most ash scattering permits, but it’s simple etiquette. Leaving anything behind in a shared space is rude, period, and even more so when considering how other people might feel about running across random human remains.

And, you wouldn’t leave anything precious behind outside, so don’t leave clumps or piles of ashes where people walking by will see them and wonder, “What is that?”. Don’t be disrespectful to your departed loved one’s remains (and other people) by ensuring the cremation ashes are evenly and invisibly dispersed across the ground.

Note: Sometimes, bits of bone fragments are mixed in with the cremated remains, which may require more care to disperse evenly.

Don't Scatter into the Wind

Finally, the number one “Don’t” of an ash scattering ceremony is scattering in a windy spot. DO check the wind and plan for an alternative location for scattering if the wind picks up. If you can’t avoid the wind, work with it and scatter so that the wind catches the ashes and moves them away from your party of mourners. Grief is complicated enough; please do not scatter your loved one’s ashes across their family, friends, and colleagues. While it would be unforgettable, the ceremony is about honoring and remembering the departed loved one, not creating trauma as guests wear the departed home. (Plenty of miniature urns and cremation jewelry are available if you want to always keep a part of your loved one with you.) To sum up: do not, not, not, scatter ashes without checking the wind and where the group is standing.

Bamboo Scattering Urns from the Living Urn

There is a tool for every occasion, and for your ash-scattering ceremony, the bamboo scattering urn from the Living Urn is perfect for a peaceful, successful ceremony. Designed to be easy to fill, lock securely, open quickly, and make scattering controlled and mess-free, this engravable urn will help you perfectly honor your departed loved one and help you avoid the stressful “don’ts” of an ash scattering ceremony. Visit the Living Urn today to browse scattering urns, indoor urns, cremation jewelry, and keepsakes.