The Symbolism Behind Ashes: What Different Cultures Believe

Throughout the history of mankind, we have been burning the remains of the deceased and collecting their ashes for use in mourning ceremonies. Today, this is considered to be standard practice for many cultures, and a highly effective way to deal with the lack of space available for burials.

Every culture has its own take on cremation and the significance of the remains left behind following this process. In this guide, we’re looking at the different perspectives in present day cultures and throughout history. By the end of this in-depth read, you should have a clearer idea about the significance of ashes through different cultures and through history.

What are ashes?

Ashes are not actually ashes but are in reality the remains left behind following cremation. When all soft tissue is burned away, we are left with parched bone fragments that are then ground up into a dust-like powder. So while we might call them ashes, it’s really bone fragments, so the word “remains” is preferred by many crematorium technicians.

As the final remains of an individual, these carry huge significance for many different cultures. While some people favour holding on to the ashes, others believe in scattering them at significant locations or burying them.

There are also differing views about what the ashes mean in terms of the person’s spirit. For example, some cultures believe the ashes should remain whole and together, while others are more flexible in terms of scattering the ashes.

And in some cultures, the idea of cremation and holding on to the ashes is completely prohibited. Let’s take a more detailed look at the role of ashes in different cultures, both modern and throughout history.

The symbolism behind ashes in different cultures

Curious about how different cultures view ashes and their significance? These are some of the most prevalent opinions on cremation and the role of ashes in the mourning process.

Ancient civilisations

In Ancient Greek tradition, ashes were seen as a return to our natural state. Ashes of the deceased would be used in mourning rituals as a reminder that life is ephemeral. Cremation was seen as a way to honour the deceased, in particular those who died in battle.

In contrast, the Egyptians viewed cremation as a bad thing, as it would destroy the body. They developed complex methods for preserving the bodies of the deceased, as this was seen as the only way into the afterlife. They disagreed with cremation as this would prevent the spirit from being able to return.

Christianity

In the Christian tradition, cremation is generally permitted, but burial is preferred. Choosing burial over cremation was historically seen as a success of Christianity over Pagan rituals. However, these attitudes have relaxed in modern times as cremation is seen as a low-cost and environmentally conscious alternative.

Judaism

In Orthodox and Conservative movements, the practice of cremation is strictly prohibited as they hold the belief that the body should remain intact and be buried. Contemporary views of the practice have largely changed, as this practice is becoming more commonplace as people recognise the environmental pressure of burial.

Hinduism

Contrary to other religions, Hindus believe that cremation allows the soul to be released from the body. This is in contrast to those that believe the body should remain intact. The day after a cremation ceremony, the ashes are traditionally scattered over a body of water. Hindus believe in the impermanence of the body, and fire holds strong symbolism as a way to release the soul from the physical form.

Buddhism

Like Hindus, Buddhists also believe that the body is merely a vessel for the soul, and so cremation is the preferred method over burial. Cremation allows the soul to be released from the body so it can be reincarnated as another lifeform. Buddhists will wait for at least 7 days after death before the cremation takes place.

Indigenous cultures

Across indigenous cultures, there are broad views of the role of cremation and the significance of ashes. Beliefs can vary between different tribes, with some believing that cremation frees the spirit from the body, while others believe that the body has to remain intact.

Some of the most prominent beliefs around cremation in indigenous cultures include the Aboriginal tradition of scattering the ashes in ancestral lands, to signify a return to the land and reuniting with their ancestors.

Cremation around the world

Depending on where you are in the world, cremation can be incredibly rare or it can be prevalent. In countries like Bhutan, Cambodia, Hong Kong, Japan, Myanmar, Nepal, Tibet, Sri Lanka, South Korea, Thailand and India the rate of cremation is between 80% to 99% due to the high Buddhist and Hindu population.

Contrast this with areas like Ireland, where cremation rates were once very low due to a religious preference for burial. Cremation is now on the rise due to a shortage of land for burials. In 2017, cremation rates were at around 20% in Ireland.

To keep or scatter the ashes?

To explore this topic even further, we can also look at the traditions of what happens to the ashes after cremation. Those without restrictions are free to look for creative ways to honour the dead. You could have the ashes of a loved one launched into space, for example, or they could be added to an artificial reef and become a habitat for marine life.

In some traditionals, there are requirements on those left behind to honour the dead in a specific way. For example, in Aboriginal cultures, it's common for the living to take the ashes back to their ancestral land and scatter them. And for Hindus, the ashes are to be scattered on a body of water – and for many this would be the Ganges river.

It’s also becoming more common to create something with ashes. If the family doesn’t have an issue with splitting the ashes, the remains might be added to memorial artwork, or enclosed in jewellery to help bring peace and comfort to those left behind. Since only a small amount of the ashes would be added to these memorial keepsakes, the family can then choose to scatter the remainder of the ashes.

Advice for those without expectations

Those who don’t have religious texts to guide them are left to follow their hearts on what ashes mean to them. They might choose to scatter the ashes of their loved one in a place that they loved in life. Or this might opt for a place where they can visit them to feel close to them again.

It can be incredibly difficult to know what to do with ashes after the death of a loved one. The most common advice would be to avoid making sudden decisions if you don’t have any cultural signposts to guide you.

The right thing to do will become obvious to you when the time is right, and waiting for this stroke of inspiration can help you to find a new home for the ashes that feels authentic and genuine to you.

And by keeping a small portion of the ashes for a piece of jewellery, you can protect yourself from the fear that you might do the “wrong” thing.