Death always brings with it disturbing thoughts and unsettling questions. Ironically, in spite of the vast body of knowledge we have amassed over the centuries, there are many fundamental questions that are still unanswered. Primary among them are questions related to death, existence beyond death and life after death.
Every person who has had to bid farewell to a loved one knows how difficult these questions can be. Dan Ford, who recently lost his pet to a horrible accident says 'I often find myself wondering about little Mikey. That's funny because you'd think that there's nothing to worry about after death since death is ultimate. In my experience though, death is so painful precisely because we have no idea what happens after death. If we only knew for sure that death opens the door to a better existence we could probably accept it better '.
Angels are believed to be the divine messengers of God. For thousands of years now every scripture and religion has been associating angels with love, guidance, solace and blessings. Therefore it is only natural that the bereaved would prefer memorial urns bearing angels and angel-symbolisms. To the bereaved, angels symbolize a peaceful transition from the world of worries to the world of God. Angel urns typify solace and calm because they somehow transmit a message that the departed will be safely guided to heaven.
Because of the strong symbolic associations, it is hardly surprising that more and more people desire memorial urns bearing angels to safeguard and keep the cremains of faithful companions. To meet this rising demand for angel urns and angel keepsakes, manufacturers now offer an extensive range of urns and keepsakes in a variety of materials. Some of the more popular materials are:
Cast bronze Angel urns: This type of an urn is made from solid bronze and is sculpted to form the image of an angel. The angel may look like a cherub or a woman and the depicted figure may be offering prayers or bestowing blessings. Some angels are shown as holding flowers or flying. Bronze angel urns are extremely strong, durable and serviceable. They have a removable plate at the base into which the cremated remains may be placed. Some manufacturers treat bronze urns with a patina, giving the angel a shimmering and brown to golden appearance.
Cultured Angel urns: These Angel urns are made of a mixture of materials and are very popular among the bereaved. A wide variety of selection is available. Cultured angel urns may be made to look like marble urns, and since they are much cheaper than their counterparts this variety of urns is much sought after.
Marble Angel urns: These are very popular because they look distinct, sophisticated and classy. An angel urn suffused in the natural and ethereal glow of marble can be quite a touching and awe-inspiring memorial keepsake. However marble urns tend to be costlier since they are natural stones. Marble urns are available in a number of colors including milky white and jet black.
Pricey urns: Angel urns are also available in precious metals. Such urns are first finished in bronze or silver and coated with gold, white gold or platinum. Most urns in this category are custom-made and may not be easily available.
An Angel urn makes a great focal point in a memorial garden or columbarium niche. These urns make great showpieces for the house. In whichever capacity they are used, regardless of whether they are kept indoors or outside, angel urns are a touching and humbling means of remembering a precious life that was.