Funeral Arts National Board Practice Exam

What type of container is typically not acceptable for cremated remains if it's too small?

1. Wooden box

2. Metal urn

3. Glass jar

4. Plastic container

The correct answer is: Glass jar

A glass jar is typically not considered acceptable for cremated remains if it is too small because it may not adequately hold the volume of ashes produced during cremation. The average adult's cremated remains weigh about 3 to 9 pounds, and the container needs to be large enough to accommodate this amount. Additionally, glass is often fragile and can break easily, which raises concerns about both the safety of the remains and the durability of the container over time. While wooden boxes, metal urns, and plastic containers can also vary in size, they are generally designed with the intention of securely holding cremated remains, ensuring both protection and respect. Thus, a glass jar, particularly if it's small, may not provide the necessary capacity or security for the ashes.