Both Hindu and Buddhist traditions view ashes in terms of what happens spiritually to the deceased soul.
Buddhism: In countries like Japan, having an altar at home with pictures and incense is very common practice. While ashes may remain at home initially during the period of mourning, there is great importance put on the idea of “impermanence” and “nothingness.” There is even a warning from many Buddhist masters that attachment to bodily relics prevents the living from overcoming grief and hinders the dead from their onward journey.
Hinduism: On the other hand, Hindus believe that ashes should be released. Most often, they get immersed into water as a ritual which purifies the spirit for its further development. Water symbolizes purity and rebirth. To hold ashes in one’s home is to hold a soul back while it ought to be wandering freely through the spirit.
Chinese traditions and the energy of the home
The discussion on ashes in Chinese culture has a lot to do with Feng Shui and ancestor worship. Honor for your ancestors does not end when they die; indeed, it becomes even more critical.
As pointed out by China Highlights, many people will choose to store the ashes in temples or memorial halls as opposed to keeping them at home. There is a popular idea in Chinese culture that the “spirit energy” of the dead requires its own place. An urn kept in the living space of the family members, especially where the funeral ceremony was not done properly, can lead to imbalance within the premises.
Mexican traditions: Death as a guest
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