Saying Goodbye With Light: Unique Ideas for Ash Scattering Ceremonies
This column is warmly dedicated to Sharon
Light has always been more than illumination—it is a guide, a thread between worlds, a quiet storyteller. In moments of farewell, it whispers that memory can glow, that love can ripple outward, and that even endings carry their own kind of magic.
Ash scattering ceremonies transform this truth into tangible beauty:
Lanterns drifting like captured stars across the ocean, fireworks painting the night sky with fleeting brilliance, moonlight spilling over quiet beaches, and bioluminescent waters glowing beneath your hands. In each luminous act, sorrow is softened, remembrance is elevated, and grief becomes part of a living, breathing tapestry of nature and memory. Here, light does not merely shine—it carries a unique farewell forward, turning absence into art, and loss into a luminous journey.
Below are five extraordinary ways to weave light into a final goodbye—ceremonies that transcend tradition and turn farewell into an experience of wonder.
From Lanterns to Northern Lights: Magical Ways to Scatter Ashes
Lantern Release in Hawaii: Hundreds of glowing lanterns drift over turquoise waters, carrying love and memory into the Hawaiian sky.
Fireworks in Italy: Vibrant bursts of color illuminate the night, celebrating a life with joy, passion, and brilliance.
Ash Scattering & Whales in Puget Sound: Bioluminescent waves shimmer as majestic whales glide beneath the surface, joining nature in farewell.
Full Moon in Thailand: Moonlight dances on tranquil waters, turning a quiet scattering into a luminous, spiritual moment.
Northern Lights on Isle Royale: The sky ignites with ethereal ribbons of color, a cosmic dance honoring life beneath the aurora borealis.
🌿 See Available National Park Ash Scattering Destinations →
📞 Speak to a Memorial Specialist: (515) 206-4845
bonaventurememorial@gmail.com
Lanterns at Sea in Hawaii
In Hawaii, light meets water in a ceremony that feels almost timeless. Families can release floating lanterns across the waves at sunset, each carrying words of love or symbols of memory. The lanterns drift outward, joining the rhythm of the ocean as the ashes are scattered nearby. The effect is profound: an ocean alive with tiny stars, each flicker a prayer, each ripple a reminder that love moves ever outward.
For those who long for ceremony infused with both community and nature’s grace, Hawaii offers a place where light and tide meet in eternal embrace.
A Practical Guide to Scattering Ashes in Hawaii
Hawaii, with its emerald mountains, volcanic cliffs, and turquoise waters, is one of the most meaningful places in the world to say goodbye. Families come here not just for beauty, but for the sense of eternity—lava-born islands rising from the sea, where love and memory can rest forever in nature’s embrace. If you’re planning to scatter ashes in Hawaii, here are some practical insights to guide you.
Lantern Release in Hawaii: A Memorial Day Tradition
Every year around Memorial Day, thousands gather on the Hawaiian shore for a lantern release ceremony. Families write prayers or names on floating lanterns and release them into the Pacific at dusk. Though not directly tied to scattering ashes, it’s a deeply resonant time to combine remembrance rituals.
Best Timing: Plan for late May if you want to coincide with the lantern release.
Permits: The ceremony itself is organized and does not allow scattering ashes during the official event. But you can hold a private scattering nearby at another time during your visit.
Alternative Lanterns: Private floating lantern ceremonies can be arranged in quieter bays or coves across the islands, allowing you to honor your loved one in a more personal way.
Legal Guidance for Scattering Ashes in Hawaii
Scattering ashes in Hawaii is legal, but there are a few rules to know:
At Sea: Federal law requires scattering at least 3 nautical miles offshore if done from a vessel. The EPA must be notified within 30 days of the scattering.
On Land: Scattering on public beaches, in state parks, or at culturally sensitive sites (such as heiau, sacred temples) is generally not permitted. Private land requires the landowner’s written consent.
Permits: For certain National Park sites, such as Haleakalā or Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park, you may need a permit. Always check with the specific park office in advance.
Best Seasons for Scattering Ashes in Hawaii
Hawaii is beautiful year-round, but seasonality can affect your experience:
Winter (Nov–Mar): Big swells on the North Shore create dramatic backdrops, but calmer waters for scattering are found on the south and leeward coasts.
Spring (Apr–May): Warm, calm weather and fewer tourists make this a peaceful time.
Summer (Jun–Aug): Seas are calmest, and evenings are ideal for ceremonies at sunset.
Fall (Sep–Oct): Quiet beaches and warm ocean temperatures make this an intimate choice.
Unique Ways to Make It Special
Scattering ashes in Hawaii can go beyond simply choosing a place—you can weave in elements of ceremony that reflect the spirit of your loved one:
Floral Tributes: Fresh leis or native flowers can be released with the ashes, carried gently on the tides. (Note: use only biodegradable flowers or natural elements, never plastics.)
Lantern Ceremony: A private lantern release at sunset offers a luminous farewell.
Music: Many families bring a ukulele player, conch shell blower, or hula dancer to mark the moment.
Volcano Ceremonies: While scattering directly into volcanic craters is prohibited, some families hold a symbolic ceremony nearby, honoring the cycle of creation and return.
Choosing the Right Island
Each island has its own personality, which can guide your choice:
Oʻahu: Accessible, with famous beaches
Maui: Known for sunrise atop Haleakalā and serene west-side waters.
Hawaiʻi (Big Island): Offers dramatic landscapes, from black sand beaches to active volcanoes.
Kauaʻi: Lush and remote, perfect for those seeking seclusion and wild beauty.
Resources
✨ In Hawaii, scattering ashes is not just an act of letting go—it is an offering, a return to the waters, mountains, and skies that have always belonged to eternity.
Fireworks in Italy
In some parts of Italy, families have begun to pair scattering ceremonies with fireworks—ashes rising into the night alongside dazzling bursts of color. It is an act of bold beauty, for those whose lives were lived in brilliant strokes and who wished for their farewell to be as vivid as their presence.
Imagine the sky itself becoming the memorial: streaks of red, gold, and silver reflecting over water, mountains, or historic towns. It’s a farewell that feels both joyful and transcendent, a reminder that the story does not end quietly but leaves light lingering long after.
Scattering Ashes in Italy: A Practical Guide to Saying Goodbye with Fireworks
Italy has always been a land where art, beauty, and ritual meet. For families choosing to scatter a loved one’s ashes here, the experience can be elevated into a final tribute woven into centuries of tradition and celebration. One of the most extraordinary ways to honor a life is by aligning the farewell with the dazzling fireworks festivals that light up Italian skies.
The Magic of Fireworks in Italy
Italy’s fireworks festivals aren’t just spectacles—they’re centuries-old traditions tied to saints’ feast days, summer festivals, and historic anniversaries. To scatter ashes in Italy as fireworks bloom above creates an unforgettable scene: a soul released into the night sky as sparks mirror stars.
Notable fireworks celebrations include:
Venice’s Festa del Redentore (July): One of the most famous fireworks displays in Europe, where the skies over the Venetian lagoon are illuminated.
Florence’s Scoppio del Carro (Easter): A pyrotechnic ritual dating back to the First Crusade, set before the grand cathedral.
Rome’s Summer Festivals: Multiple displays take place along the Tiber, offering striking backdrops.
Southern Coastline (Amalfi, Naples, Sicily): Coastal fireworks paired with Mediterranean waters create unforgettable contrasts.
Seasonality and Timing
Summer (June–August): The busiest fireworks season with major festivals across the country. Best for families seeking vibrant, celebratory tributes.
Spring/Easter: Scoppio del Carro in Florence offers a spiritual, historic setting.
Fall and Winter: While quieter, smaller village festivals often feature intimate fireworks, perfect for those wanting less crowds.
Legal Considerations in Italy
Scattering ashes in Italy is heavily regulated. Generally, ashes cannot be scattered without municipal authorization, and permissions vary by region.
Many families navigate this by choosing symbolic ceremonies during fireworks (such as lantern releases, flower offerings, or symbolic scattering at sea outside Italian waters).
🌿 See Available National Park Ash Scattering Destinations →
📞 Speak to a Memorial Specialist: (515) 206-4845
bonaventurememorial@gmail.com
Making It Special
Charter a private boat: Watch Venice’s fireworks reflected in the lagoon waters and release flowers or lanterns in memory.
Combine ritual with cuisine: End the evening with a family dinner, honoring your loved one’s favorite Italian dish.
Photographs & Video: Many families find comfort in capturing the night sky filled with fireworks as a remembrance keepsake.
✨ Italy offers not only scenery but also ritual—fireworks timed with centuries-old traditions. While laws may limit scattering itself, combining symbolic gestures with official ceremonies ensures your loved one’s memory is honored fully, beautifully, and lawfully.
A Full Moon Farewell in Thailand
In Thailand, the full moon carries spiritual weight, marking time for reflection, offerings, and release. Families sometimes gather on moonlit beaches to scatter ashes into the tide, the ceremony illuminated entirely by silver light across the water.
The simplicity is its power—no lanterns, no fireworks, only the soft constancy of the moon guiding the goodbye. It is a farewell both intimate and universal, as if the night sky itself has gathered to witness the moment.
The Magic of Thailand’s Full Moon Festivals
Full Moon Party (Koh Phangan): Held monthly on Haad Rin Beach, this famous celebration transforms the beach into a glowing canvas of lanterns and music. While originally a nightlife event, symbolic ash scattering can be integrated during quieter, early evening moments before the crowds peak.
Loi Krathong (November, Full Moon of the 12th Lunar Month): Participants float small decorated baskets (krathongs) on rivers and lakes, a deeply spiritual act of letting go and honoring ancestors. Families can scatter ashes in the water using biodegradable vessels as part of this ritual.
Local Temple Full Moon Observances: Many Buddhist temples host ceremonies during full moons, offering tranquil settings for reflection, prayer, and ceremonial scattering in nearby waters.
Seasonality and Timing
High Season (November–March): Cooler, drier weather makes for comfortable travel and clear nights for full moon viewing.
Low Season (May–October): Monsoon rains may affect ceremonies, but less crowded beaches and temples offer privacy for more intimate farewells.
Full Moon Alignment: Check lunar calendars in advance—each month’s full moon can be a unique opportunity for scattering tied to the natural cycle.
Legal and Practical Considerations
Scattering in Thailand: Legal permissions vary widely. Scattering ashes in rivers or seas is often tolerated in tourist areas but may require permits in certain municipalities. Always confirm local regulations to avoid fines.
Biodegradable Materials: Use eco-friendly urns, baskets, or lanterns to ensure the ritual respects the environment.
Combination Ceremonies: Many families pair symbolic Full Moon rituals in Thailand with formal ash scattering at BONAVENTURE destinations like Hawaii or Puget Sound’s Bioluminescence for compliance and longevity.
Making It Special
Lantern Releases: Release floating or sky lanterns with personal messages or prayers, creating a visual tribute under the full moon’s glow.
Personal Offerings: Flowers, incense, or small symbolic items can accompany the ashes for a tactile, meaningful gesture.
Document the Moment: Capture photos or video of the ritual for family remembrance, while being mindful of local customs and privacy.
Private Beach Ceremony: Schedule before or after the main Full Moon Party hours for serenity and intimacy.
✨ Thailand’s full moon offers a poetic backdrop for celebrating life, memory, and continuity. With careful planning, legal awareness, and thoughtful rituals, families can create a farewell that’s luminous, symbolic, and deeply personal.
🌿 See Available National Park Ash Scattering Destinations →
📞 Speak to a Memorial Specialist: (515) 206-4845
bonaventurememorial@gmail.com
Bioluminescence in Puget Sound
In the Pacific Northwest, summer nights bring the miracle of bioluminescence—microscopic life in the water that glows when stirred. To scatter ashes in Puget Sound under a canopy of stars is already profound, but when the water itself lights up with every ripple, the experience becomes otherworldly.
Ashes meet glowing tides, each gesture illuminated in streaks of living light. Families often describe it as the closest thing to witnessing the soul’s passage—an encounter with beauty so rare it feels like a benediction. See Bioluminescence Scattering Options →
Scattering Ashes in Puget Sound: Glowing Waters and Majestic Whales
Puget Sound, with its rugged coastlines, quiet coves, and magical bioluminescent waters, offers families a uniquely moving setting for scattering ashes. The natural phenomena here—from glowing plankton to migrating whales—create an unforgettable, symbolic farewell.
Bioluminescence: A Living Light Ceremony
Best Time: Bioluminescence peaks during the warmer months (July–September), when water temperatures and plankton activity create glowing waves after dark.
Ceremony Tips:
Use biodegradable urns or vessels to release ashes safely into the water.
Schedule the scattering after sunset for maximum luminous effect.
Bring soft lighting and quiet reflections—let the glow of the water symbolize the enduring memory of your loved one.
Whale Migration: Witnessing Life’s Journey
Timing:
Orcas: Summer months (June–September) are peak viewing periods in Puget Sound.
Gray Whales: March–May and December–January during migration.
Integration into Ceremony:
Time the scattering during migration season to witness whales passing nearby—symbolizing continuity, resilience, and the flow of life.
Boats or shore access points can provide a safe, legal vantage for both the ritual and whale watching.
Legal and Practical Considerations
Permits: Scattering ashes in Puget Sound’s protected areas may require local permits or compliance with Washington State regulations. BONAVENTURE guides families through all legal steps.
Environmental Responsibility: Avoid plastics and non-biodegradable items. Ashes should be released respectfully, keeping ecological balance in mind.
Weather Awareness: Summer evenings are ideal, but check tides and local conditions to ensure a safe and serene ceremony.
Making It Special
Nighttime Rituals: Release ashes under a moonlit sky while the bioluminescent waters shimmer, creating a glowing, ethereal scene.
Whale Watch Tribute: Incorporate the migration season into your ceremony as a living metaphor of passage, renewal, and freedom.
Personal Touches: Flowers, messages, or floating candles can enhance the experience without disturbing the environment.
Capture the Moment: Photography or video is ideal, but always respect wildlife and local regulations.
BONAVENTURE Destinations
For families seeking a fully guided experience, BONAVENTURE offers curated scattering packages:
Bioluminescence at Puget Sound – Release ashes into glowing waters in a quiet, eco-conscious ceremony.
Whale Trail at Ruby Beach – Combine whale migration viewing with scattering for a profoundly moving farewell.
✨ Puget Sound offers a farewell unlike any other—where light and life converge to honor the memory of a loved one. Between glowing waters and the grace of migrating whales, families can create a ceremony that’s both intimate and deeply connected to the rhythms of nature.
Puget Sound Ash Scattering Calendar: Bioluminescence & Whale Migration
January – February
Gray Whale Migration: Peak southbound migration along the coast.
Ceremony Tip: Consider shoreline scatterings from accessible beaches. Early winter waters are colder—plan for warm attire and short, intimate gatherings.
March – May
Gray Whale Migration: Northbound migration back to feeding grounds.
Bioluminescence: Low activity; not optimal.
Ceremony Tip: Focus on whale sightings for symbolic ceremonies. Combine with sunrise or sunset to create a dramatic farewell.
June – September
Orca Season: Resident orcas frequently seen throughout Puget Sound.
Bioluminescence: Peak activity in warm, calm summer nights.
Ceremony Tip:
Sunset or after dark for glowing water effect.
Coordinate with local guides for optimal viewing of orcas.
Perfect window for guided BONAVENTURE scattering packages.
October – November
Bioluminescence: Still visible on clear nights but less frequent.
Gray Whale Migration: Southbound migration begins in late November.
Ceremony Tip: Crisp fall evenings can create intimate, reflective ceremonies.
December
Gray Whale Migration: Peak southbound movement along the Sound.
Bioluminescence: Rare; focus on daytime whale viewing.
Ceremony Tip: Combine shoreline scattering with whale migration observation for symbolic closure.
Practical Tips for Every Season
Check Local Permits: Puget Sound is a protected area. BONAVENTURE ensures all scattering is fully compliant.
Choose a Safe, Accessible Location: Consider tides, currents, and shoreline access for both safety and ceremony flow.
Bring Weather-Appropriate Gear: Summer evenings may be mild, but early spring or late fall can be chilly and windy.
Add Personal Touches: Biodegradable lanterns, floating candles, or soft music can enhance the ritual without disturbing the ecosystem.
Document the Ceremony: Capture memories respectfully—video or photography can help preserve the moment for loved ones.
BONAVENTURE Packages
Bioluminescence at Puget Sound – Glow-in-the-dark waters create a magical farewell.
Whale Trail at Ruby Beach – Combine whale migration with scattering for a truly moving experience.
Northern Lights Ash Scattering on Isle Royale: A Magical Farewell
Isle Royale’s remote wilderness, quiet shorelines, and shimmering auroras provide an extraordinary setting for scattering ashes. Witness the Northern Lights as your final tribute becomes an unforgettable moment where memory meets magic.
On Isle Royale, the night sky comes alive as the aurora dances across the horizon, turning ash scattering into a luminous, almost otherworldly ceremony. Families can release floating lanterns—or biodegradable vessels carrying ashes—under the glow of the Northern Lights, each light a whisper of memory, each shimmer a tribute to a life well-lived.
The aurora above mirrors the gentle glow below, creating a scene of quiet magic: a night alive with points of light, each flicker a prayer, each ripple a reminder that love moves outward, eternal and unconfined.
Aurora Borealis: A Celestial Goodbye
Best Time to Scatter Ashes:
Late autumn through early spring (September–March) is peak Northern Lights season. Long nights and clear skies allow vibrant auroral displays to illuminate your farewell.
Tips for a Meaningful Ceremony:
Choose a secluded shoreline or elevated viewpoint away from light pollution.
Dress warmly and bring blankets or low-profile lanterns to create a serene atmosphere.
Time the scattering with the most vivid auroras for a celestial tribute.
Integrating the Ceremony with Nature
Release ashes into quiet coves or lake inlets, allowing the aurora overhead to symbolize eternal memory.
Incorporate soft music, readings, or reflective silence to enhance the connection with nature.
Legal and Practical Considerations
Permits: Isle Royale is a National Park; scattering ashes requires compliance with National Park Service regulations. BONAVENTURE assists families with all necessary permits.
Environmental Responsibility: Use biodegradable urns and avoid non-natural materials to protect the park’s ecosystem.
Weather Awareness: Winter and early spring can be harsh—check park accessibility, lake ice, and safety conditions before planning.
Making the Experience Truly Special
Nighttime Ceremony: Let the aurora illuminate your tribute, blending earth, sky, and memory.
Seasonal Timing: Plan around peak aurora activity for maximum visual impact.
Personal Touches: Include readings, biodegradable lanterns, or small natural tokens to honor your loved one.
Document the Moment: Capture photographs or video while respecting the park’s environment.
BONAVENTURE Guided Experiences
Why Choose Isle Royale for Ash Scattering?
The aurora provides a living, moving memorial—a farewell that is both natural and transcendent. Families seeking a deeply personal, eco-conscious, and legally compliant ceremony will find Isle Royale uniquely suited to creating lasting memories.
Saying Goodbye Through Light
Whether through lanterns, fireworks, moonlight, or glowing seas, scattering ashes with light transforms farewell into something unforgettable. These ceremonies remind us that grief need not be dim; it can shimmer, flare, or glow in ways that honor the radiance of a life well-lived.
At BONAVENTURE, we help families shape ceremonies that carry meaning as vast as the landscapes themselves. Because every goodbye deserves not only reverence, but light.
🌿 See Available National Park Destinations →
📞 Speak to a Memorial Specialist: (515) 206-4845
bonaventurememorial@gmail.com
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Sarah-Marie Sherbon is a writer, mother, and a co-founder of BONAVENTURE, a destination ash scattering service devoted to helping families say goodbye in places that still feel sacred.
Her reverence for the wild was shaped over years in the national parks—kayaking through the rugged archipelago of Isle Royale, hiking beneath the emerald ballet of light in Mount Rainier’s rainforest, and breathing in the wildflower-sweetened stillness of Yellowstone’s hidden places. Today, she draws on those experiences to guide families toward tributes rooted in beauty, memory, and return—because some goodbyes deserve a view that takes your breath away.
FAMILY LEGACY IN THE NATIONAL PARKS
Bonaventure was born from generations spent walking the wild edges of this country—serving as park rangers, guides, and stewards of America’s most sacred landscapes. Together, we’ve planned ceremonies for royalty, navigated avalanches with radios slung over our shoulders, and stood beneath the northern lights waiting for the hush before dawn.
Our family has nearly a century of combined experience in the National Parks. We've climbed peaks, captained sailboats, and led thousands of guests through these extraordinary places. BONAVENTURE is our way of passing that reverence on—crafting custom tributes that honor each life with beauty, excellence, and care.
But through it all, what’s endured is story. The stories of those who came to these places to remember. To return. To let go.
We created BONAVENTURE to offer something worthy of that final chapter: a farewell not rushed or transactional, but reverent. Custom tributes crafted with intention. Ash scatterings carried out with park permission, environmental care, and deep personal respect.
We are foremost a family of storytellers. And in the story, the ending is what matters most.
For National Park Scattering: Permits & Resources
If you're considering a National Park as your scattering site, be sure to follow proper procedures. BONAVENTURE handles permits for our services, but families should be aware of:
