In Lithuania, traditional burial remains the most widespread practice. However, the wishes of the deceased regarding cremation or burial in a coffin are considered. Cremation is becoming increasingly popular, particularly as many Lithuanians emigrate to live abroad, and there may be no one to maintain a grave. It is also often chosen when a loved one dies abroad, as it can be a more cost-effective option for repatriation.
What is cremation?
Cremation is the burning of human remains in a crematorium furnace. The furnace is heated to 870–980 °C. The cremation process takes about 2–3 hours. In the crematorium, careful procedures are carried out, including body identification, preparation for cremation, the cremation process itself, and placing the ashes into a selected urn with a capsule.
The size of the urn and capsule in which the deceased’s remains are placed may vary depending on the height and weight of the deceased.
How are cremation services executed?
Cremation and its procedures may raise concerns and doubts; however, in all countries, this field is strictly and thoroughly regulated, with established procedures that must be followed. The first step is the identification of the deceased and verification of all submitted documentation. Once it has been confirmed that the documents provided for the crematorium are in order and the remains have been correctly identified, the deceased is prepared for cremation.
All jewelry and personal items are removed and returned to the family. The body is then washed, cleaned, and dressed. The prepared body is placed in a coffin designed specifically for cremation.
The coffin is placed in a cremation chamber, where, at remarkably elevated temperatures, the body is cremated. The cremated remains are then processed into ashes and placed in a capsule inside an urn.
What to do with the urn?
Under Lithuanian regulations, there are three permitted options for overseeing the urn:
- Burial of the urn in a cemetery. Commonly chosen when a family grave is available.
- Columbarium. A suitable option if there is no one to maintain the grave.
- Scattering in a designated area in a cemetery. Although this method is specified in the law, there are no cemeteries in Lithuania where such a space can be formed.
Keeping an urn at home for longer than three months or scattering ashes outside designated areas (even in accordance with the wishes of the deceased) is prohibited.