Glossary of Terms

We hope that some explanation of the terminology used in the funeral and cremation industry will be helpful to you.

Alternative Container – A receptacle, other than a casket, in which human remains are transported to the crematory and placed in the chamber for cremation. An alternative container is 1.) composed of readily combustible material, 2.) able to be closed, to provide complete covering for the human remains, 3.) resistant to leakage or spillage, 4.) rigid enough for handling ease, and 5.) able to provide protection for the health, safety and personal integrity of crematory personnel.

Casket – A rigid container designed for the encasement of human remains, usually constructed of wood, metal or like material, ornamented and lined with fabric. A casket may or may not be combustible.

Certified Copies – Official copies of the death certificate that contain the local registrar’s seal to prove its authenticity. A fee is charged per copy and vary per registrar. This document is a proof of death and may be used to transfer properties or for legal claims (i.e. bank accounts, car titles, stocks, bonds, insurance claims, land titles).

Cremated Remains – All human remains recovered after the completion of cremation, which may possibly include the residue of any foreign matter, including casket material, bridgework or eyeglasses, that was cremated with the human remains.

Cremation – The technical process, using heat and flame, which reduces human remains to bone fragments. The reduction takes place through heat and evaporation. Cremation includes the processing, and may include the pulverization, of bone fragments.

Cremation Container – The cremation container is the case in which the human body is delivered to the crematory to be placed in the chamber for cremation. It is generally required that this container meet the following standards: 1.) be composed of a combustible material, 2.) be rigid enough for handling ease, 3.) assure protection to the health and safety of the operator, 4.) provide proper covering for the remains, and 5.) meet moral codes for respect and dignity.

Cremation Permit – This is a required form issued by the county Coroner or Medical Examiner giving authorization to cremate the deceased. A fee is normally required for this permit.

Crematory – The building that houses the cremation chamber.

Embalming – The process in which blood is drained and replacement fluids are pumped into the body to temporarily retard its disintegration. Embalming is NOT always required by law. It is required in some states and only in a few instances such as, when a body will be transported by train or plane from one country or state to another; when there is a relatively long period between the death and the burial or cremation; and in some cases where the death was due to a communicable disease. Embalming is not required for a direct cremation or burial.

Filing – The exchanging of the original death certificate with the local registrar who makes the official copies.

Memorial Cards – Credit card sized cards on which a poem or scripture is printed, along with the deceased name and related information.

Insert for a Rental Casket – A receptacle in which the human remains are placed which is put into the rental casket for viewing, then removed afterward and cremated with the deceased. Meets all specifications of an Alternative Container.
Inurnment – When cremated remains are place in an urn or container of any type.

Memorialization – The placement of cremated remains according to the family’s choice and available facilities. It may be a niche in a columbarium with space for one, two or even an entire family. It may be interment in a single burial site, an urn garden or family lot. Others may choose scattering in specially prepared scattering gardens within cemetery grounds, with or without a market or cenotaph for named plates. Some select their personal type of memorialization such as a tree or rose bush planted in a special area.

Memorial Service – The gathering of friends, family and guests at a funeral home, church, home, outside or even at a restaurant (generally without the deceased present, may or may not have cremated remains present) to pay their respects and tribute.

Memorial Folders – A folder with a poem or scripture and the deceased’s name and related information.

Niche – A compartment or cubicle for the memorialization and permanent placement of an urn containing cremated remains.

Register Book – A book that people sign during a memorial or visitation service indicating their attendance.

Removal – Transportation from the place of expiration to the crematory, morgue or holding facility.

Rental Casket – A casket that the deceased is placed in temporarily for a memorial service or visitation. It is commonly used with an insert which is placed into the rental casket, and later removed for cremation.

Scattering of Cremains – The strewing of cremated remains in a common ground, on private property, public property, cemetery or at sea. Proper authorization should be obtained prior to scattering to ensure the legality of scattering at the location.

Thank You Notes – Card and envelope sent to friends or family thanking them for tributes (i.e. flowers, food, offerings, donations).

Trust Fund – A revocable or irrevocable trust account where money is placed in an insured account so in the event of death, the funds are available to pay for services previously arranged.

Urn – A receptacle into which the cremated remains are placed. The selection of urns varies in size, styling and composition. The final choice often depends upon where the urn will eventually be placed.

Urn Vault – An outer container in which the urn is placed, that may or may not be required by a cemetery for burial of cremains. It is used to keep the ground from sinking.

Viewing – The actual viewing and identification of the deceased.

Visitation – The attendance of friends, family and guests at a funeral home or church, generally with the deceased present to pay their respects and tributes.

Witnessing – The actual viewing of the deceased in a Casket or Alternative Container being placed in the cremation chamber.