January 2, 2015

CREMAINS AND REMAINS

Cremains is a word that has evolved.

My Webster’s Ninth New Collegiate Dictionary

says it slid into the English language in 1947.

As more and more people were cremated

after their death, more and more people

got used to the word as well as the practice

of cremating loved ones and then placing

their ashes in elaborate urns and wooden boxes

that held and housed their sacred ashes. Then

they were buried or put in small vaults in cemeteries or kept at home on bureaus or mantelpieces.

Remains – the English word – goes back to

the 14^th or 15^th century – according to that same Webster’s Ninth New Collegiate Dictionary. After someone’s death I prefer remains over cremains: a jacket, a hat, a watch, a letter from the person – who has gone before me. I prefer stories, sayings, moments and memories of  a loved one who has died. And come to think about it I prefer a cemetery  – as well as a drink  in hand to toast a loved one – more than looking  at an urn of their ashes on a mantelpiece.

© Andy Costello, Reflections 2015