Back in 1998, the National Environment Agency introduced a New Burial Policy to address the issue of land scarcity in Singapore. With the burial period for all graves limited to a maximum of 15 years, Singaporeans began to open up to the idea of cremation for practicality’s sake. Fast forward to today, cremation is widely chosen as it is also simpler compared with land burials.
After cremating their loved ones, families can keep the ashes in a columbarium or at home, or scatter them on land or at sea. The first two options require the ashes to be stored in an urn. In the case of sea scattering, an urn may or may not be needed, depending on the family’s preference.
Apart from an urn’s aesthetics, how can you decide which is the right one to go with? As a matter of fact, urns come in many different materials, which we will explore right now.
Types of urns by material
In Singapore, you’ll commonly find urns constructed from ceramic, metal, wood, marble, or glass. Each of these materials offers unique appeal and advantages. Marble urns, for instance, not only boast an elegant appearance but are also highly durable, providing a sturdy enclosure for the protection of ashes.
With marble urns, you can select from a variety of colours including white, caramel, jade, midnight, and pink (pictured above).
On the other hand, wooden urns evoke a warmer and natural feel, giving your loved one a comforting and serene ambience to rest in. If you ultimately decide to go with a wooden urn, it may be wise to select one that’s made of hardwood. This kind of wood (such as oak, mahogany, and teak) is more long-lasting and less prone to damage over time.
An exquisite urn made from hardy mahogany wood and featuring oriental embellishments.
Regardless of the type of material, an important factor to take note of is the size of the urn, especially if it is to be stored in a columbarium niche. Depending on the niche you’ve selected, the urn must be able to fit into the given space.
Biodegradable urns
Families who prefer a sea burial can scatter their loved one’s ashes directly into the sea or place the ashes in a biodegradable urn that will not harm the environment. These days, an increasing variety of biodegradable options are available, from urns made with salt to those composed of plant-derivatives.
Then, there’s also the lotus urn that’s hand crafted using water-soluble biodegradable paper and coated with water-based paints. The urn is designed to float peacefully on water for a few minutes, before descending slowly and dissolving to release the cremated ashes.
Made exclusively for sea burials, the eco-friendly lotus urn is designed after a blossoming pink lotus on lily pads for a beautiful send-off.
Personalisation options
Most urns can cater for personalisation. Whether it’s engraving your loved one’s name or a short poem, personalising the urn can be a lovely way to honour a significant person in your life. Sometimes, people engrave a picture of their loved one on the urn, too. This serves as a visual tribute and provides a lasting reminder of the life and legacy of the dearly departed.
Keepsake urns for sharing ashes among family members
Another meaningful option you have is keepsake urns. These are smaller-sized urns designed to contain a portion of ashes. Due to their size, the ashes will need to be pulverised into fine powder to fit into keepsake urns. So if you plan to get a keepsake urn, remember to inform the crematorium in advance that pulverisation is required. Otherwise, an additional charge will be imposed for late requests.
Often, families who choose keepsake urns will keep some of their loved one’s ashes in the urn while storing the rest in a columbarium. They may also scatter the remaining ashes at sea or on land. Being able to hold a part of their loved one can bring much comfort, particularly for those who live far from their loved one’s resting place.
Keepsake urns and jewellery allow you to have a small amount of your loved one’s ashes close to you, which can offer a source of comfort and solace.
Much smaller in size and able to hold just a token amount of ashes, keepsake jewellery is ideal for those who want to carry their loved one’s memory wherever they go. If your loved one enjoyed travelling, keepsake jewellery allows you to take them with you on your journeys, reinforcing the idea that when a dear person passes away, they never truly leave us.
We are here to guide you. For assistance with urn selection, please email us at info@directfuneral.com.sg or call our 24-hour helpline at +65 6555 1115.