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Combining religions in funerals


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Combining religions in funerals

My mother converted to Judaism when she married her second husband. When she died it was a little confusing to work out what kind of ceremony to have for her funeral as she was brought up a Catholic and brought up the children from her first marriage (including me) as Catholic. The funeral home was a great help in this tricky time as they worked with the rabbi to work in some of the aspects of both religions and we ended up with a really beautiful service that everyone enjoyed. This blog has ideas on how to incorporate multiple religions into one funeral service.

4 Touching Keepsake Ideas That Incorporate Cremation Ashes

Are you looking for ways to remember a lost loved one with a keepsake that involves their cremation ashes? There are plenty of options for memorial items, from jewellery and ornaments to paintings and teddy bears. Use the ideas below as a starting point, and choose an option that helps you remember your loved one in the way that feels right to you.

1. Teddy bear

Do you like to cuddle with soft toys, blankets or teddies for comfort? If so, a memorial teddy bear could be the perfect keepsake. You can purchase a bear that has a small tin hidden inside, ready for you to place the ashes of your loved one. This keeps everything safe and hygienic and allows you to feel close to the person you've lost by cuddling the bear.

2. Worry stone

For many people, the grieving process triggers feelings of stress, worry and anxiety. Choosing a worry stone made with the ashes of your loved one is a nice way to help yourself feel calm, grounded and connected when your thoughts start to spiral. Most worry stones are made of glass or resin, with the ashes of your loved one carefully set within the stone. This is a lovely item to keep in your pocket or bag, and the size makes it easy to travel with.

3. Locket necklace

If you're a fan of jewellery and like the idea of keeping your loved one close to your heart, a locket necklace is worth considering. Many jewellers offer custom engraving, so you could add the name of your loved one, a quote that reminds you of them or the dates of their birth and death. You'll be able to place the ashes in the locket yourself, meaning there's no need to send them away to the jeweller. Most cremation lockets open and close with a small screw, meaning there's no risk they'll open accidentally.

4. Custom painting

Have you considered commissioning a custom portrait of your loved one to display in your home? Make your work of art even more meaningful by choosing an artist who can combine your loved one's ashes with the paint they use to create your piece. If you don't like the idea of a portrait, you could also opt for an abstract piece, a nature scene or a favourite place.

If you don't like the idea of keeping cremation ashes in an urn, consider one of the touching keepsake ideas above.