When a loved one passes, one of the first questions families often ask is: “Can we share the ashes, so each of us can hold a part of them close?” The answer is yes. Sharing ashes has become a meaningful way for families to grieve together while creating space for each person’s own way of remembering.
Why Families Choose to Share
-
Staying connected: Instead of one person keeping the urn, siblings, children, or close friends can each have a tangible reminder of love.
-
Different traditions: Some family members may want a water or earth burial, while others prefer to keep a small portion at home.
-
Healing together: Sharing allows each person to participate in the farewell and continue their bond in their own way.
One family told us:
“We released Dad’s ashes in the ocean, but each of us kept a small urn at home. On his birthday, we light candles beside them. It helps us feel together, even when we’re apart.”
Choosing the Right Urns
At Pachamama, we offer urns in three main sizes:
-
Large & Medium Urns: Designed for the main farewell ceremony at sea, in a lake, or in the earth. They float briefly (30 seconds–2 minutes) before sinking gently and dissolving.
-
Small Sharing Urns: Hold a portion of ashes, making them perfect for siblings, children, or friends who want to keep part of the memory.
-
Memorial Kits for Pets: For families saying goodbye to a beloved animal companion, smaller urns are especially meaningful.
Many families combine one large urn for the main ceremony with two or three small urns to share among loved ones.
How to Divide Ashes Safely
-
Ask the funeral home or crematory: Most will separate ashes into smaller biodegradable bags if you request it.
-
Use biodegradable inner bags: Each Pachamama urn comes with one, making it easy to handle with dignity.
-
Keep ashes secure for travel: If you’re flying, use a TSA-approved temporary container and transfer to biodegradable urns once you arrive.
Ideas for Sharing Ceremonies
Here are some meaningful ways families use multiple urns:
-
Circle of release: Family members form a circle on the beach or deck, each releasing a small urn or scattering petals in turn.
-
Layered ceremony: Release one large urn together, then share smaller urns for personal rituals at home.
-
Children’s role: Young ones can scatter petals or hold a keepsake urn, giving them a gentle way to feel included.
-
Private remembrance: Some families keep a small urn to place near a candle or photo, especially on anniversaries or holidays.
Eco-Respect in Every Part
Sharing ashes does not mean compromising the environment. Pachamama urns are made of biodegradable materials, designed to dissolve naturally and leave no trace. We encourage families to use only natural petals or wreaths—no plastics, ribbons, or glitter—so that love returns to nature without harm.
FAQs: Sharing Ashes Among Loved Ones
Can ashes be split safely?
Yes. Funeral homes are experienced in dividing ashes. Pachamama urns include biodegradable inner bags to make the process simple and respectful.
How many urns do we need?
It depends on your family. Many choose one main urn for the ceremony and 2–4 smaller urns for sharing.
Can small urns be used in water ceremonies?
Yes. Small urns are biodegradable and designed to float briefly, then sink and dissolve.
What if I want to keep some ashes at home?
That is very common. Many families keep a portion in a small urn, accompanied by a photo or candle for private remembrance.
Is it okay to divide ashes between people in different locations?
Yes. Families often send small urns to relatives in other states or countries, allowing each to create their own moment of remembrance.
✨ Sharing ashes is not about dividing love—it’s about multiplying connection. Each urn becomes a symbol of memory, allowing everyone to honor in their own way, while remaining linked through love.
📩 For guidance or urgent support, write to us at hello@pachamamatributes.com we’re here with warmth and care.
0 comments