Which statement accurately describes cremains?

• A. Cremains are a type of ceremonial jewelry.
• B. Cremains are the ashes left after cremation.
• C. Cremains describe the container used for cremation.
• D. Cremains refer to the body prior to cremation.

Answer: (B)

Cremains refer to the ashes left after cremation. After the body is cremated, the soft tissues are reduced and mineral bone fragments remain, which are then processed into a fine powder-like material. This material is what people commonly call cremated remains or cremains. It is not a type of jewelry and it is not the container used for cremation—that would be an urn or another vessel. It is also not the body prior to cremation. Keeping this distinction in mind helps when discussing disposition options, such as keeping the cremains in an urn, scattering them, or burying them.