I’m not entirely sure what I think about opinion pieces in newspapers. If they align with my own views, I’ll probably nod along in considered agreement. If they don’t, I’ll shake my head and think, what a foolish person.
So, my interest was piqued when an opinion piece from The Washington Post popped up on my feed. Written by a chap in the States, it was a well-crafted and humorous critique of the practice of scattering ashes. You can read it for free if you’re willing to go through the usual faff.
Anyway, he doesn’t like it. For a number of reasons. Here’s my attempt at paraphrasing them:
- He doesn’t want to stumble across ashes while playing golf.
- He’s aware that Disney rides sometimes get shut down because people attempt to scatter ashes mid-ride. He also dislikes people scattering in places where it’s prohibited, like stadiums, as it causes delays and interruptions.
- He’s not keen on the idea of running through ashes on the beach.
- He thinks scattering in national parks is in poor taste, especially given the sheer number of people who choose to do so.
- He also notes the risks involved—people have lost their lives while attempting to scatter ashes in precarious locations.
Is He Right?
Well, in many ways, yes. Coming across someone else’s cremated remains is not the most pleasant experience. They are often unsightly, jarring with the natural environment, and—because they are human remains rather than those of a bird, badger, or buffalo (I do love an elision)—they can provoke a more complex emotional response.
I’ve seen piles of ashes, sometimes complete with urns, left in beauty spots near my home on Dartmoor, and it’s not ideal. But to my mind, the problem isn’t the act of scattering ashes itself—it’s how, where, and with what level of thoughtfulness it’s done.
The Do’s and Don’ts
Disney rides – Clearly a no. Not only does it disrupt the enjoyment of others, but the remains will ultimately end up in a vacuum cleaner and then a landfill. Hardly a fitting tribute.
Golf courses – You don’t want ashes becoming an extra sand hazard, but this is more about method and execution than location. If the ashes were spread over a large area, well away from the fairway, where they could integrate into the soil unnoticed, would that really be so bad?
Beaches – This argument feels baseless. Sand is constantly shifting, churning, and already full of things that aren’t exactly sterile—fish remnants, rotting seaweed, seagull droppings, and other detritus from the sea. Ashes would quickly disperse without issue.
Health and safety concerns – Yes, accidents happen. Every year, there are reports of people injuring themselves—or worse—while scattering ashes. Of course, one should take care, but this falls under the category of common sense. Much like shark attacks, these incidents get reported because they are unusual, not because they are widespread.
National parks – Again, it’s about choosing the right spot. Uncle Norman doesn’t need to be scattered at the most prominent beauty spot visited by thousands of others. But dispersed over a wide area, away from the beaten track, the impact will be minimal.
Environmental concerns – A point the writer didn’t really raise but is worth mentioning. Ashes can have a negative effect on plant life if they’re concentrated in one area. A single set of ashes scattered directly onto a sensitive plant, or multiple scatterings in the same location, can alter the soil’s pH. However, there are ways to mitigate this, such as scattering over a wider area or using soil amendments that counteract the effects.
Conclusion
Once again, I find myself making the same point: scattering ashes is fine if done with care, thought, and sensitivity towards others. A little consideration goes a long way, and I do hope we can return to a place of tolerance and mutual respect when it comes to this very personal act.