Cultures throughout the world have embraced the scattering of ashes at sea, through cremation, for the last several thousand years. In Hawaii, and throughout the Pacific Islands, ash scattering has remained prominent. Recently, cremation has become a more popular alternative to traditional burial, but both have gone through cycles of desirability throughout history.

The earliest religions to not only embrace, but also prescribe cremation, were those of Indian descent. East Indian religions, such as Hinduism, Jainism, Sikhism and Buddhism , mandate cremation. In these religions, the body is seen as an instrument to carry the soul. According to Hindu philosophy the human body is a combination of five basic natural elements; namely agni (fire), jala (water), vayu (air), prithvi (earth) and akasha (space/ether). When one dies, fire ceases, and that living form is sent to its original state of creation. Fire, in the form of cremation, is used to complete the fifth element.

Hawaiians believe that fire is also a key element for remembering the deceased. The islands’ inhabitants, knowing the Hawaiian islands were formed from the combination of fire and water, believe that this is a metaphoric cycle of life that must be carried on into the memories of those lost. By scattering the ashes of their loved ones at sea, we are all reminded of life’s journeys.

Historically, in Christian cultures, cremation has been discouraged; however in modern day, it has become much more accepted throughout the various denominations. The early Church’s disapproval of cremation stemmed from several ideas. The first of those being that the body was an instrument through which sacraments were received therefore in and of itself, a sacramental, holy object. Secondly, the Church believed that the body being integrally connected with the human person, should be disposed of in a way that was to honor it and show reverence. This belief was due to the fact that many early cremation practices were viewed as pagan in origin, and an insult to the body. Lastly, the Church believed that by cremating a human’s remains it meant the denial of the resurrection of the body; however, this was refuted as early as Minucius Felix, in his dialogue Octavius. With the spread of Protestantism, churches became much more accepting of cremation, specifically the scattering of ashes at sea.

Symbolic approaches such as ash scatterings are a memorable way to celebrate the life of the deceased, opposed to a more traditional burial. By choosing this method , friends and family can celebrate a loved one’s life by participating in a ceremony that helps to bring closure and healing. As time progresses, despite cultural differences, ash scatterings will continue to be a wonderful means of remembrance for those members that have passed on.

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