WHY?
A Humanist Funeral Ceremony offers the opportunity to mark someone’s life in a personal and meaningful way which is appropriate for those concerned, whether celebrating the life of an older person or mourning the tragic loss of a child or young person. It gives family and friends a chance to express what the person has meant to them, to remember special times they have shared and to say their final goodbyes.
When someone close to you dies you are faced with many decisions, often at a time when you are feeling the most vulnerable. These include dealing with immediate practicalities as well as making choices concerning their funeral.
Although it may be difficult, it is important to take some time to think about those things that were important to the person you have lost. They may have told you themselves or have left written notes regarding their personal wishes for their funeral. It may be that you have to make decisions yourself or with other family members or friends.
Whatever the circumstances grief cannot be taken away but a sensitive and personal ceremony can provide real comfort, whilst enabling you to say goodbye in a thoughtful and meaningful way.
Funeral Ceremonies |
|
Why choose a Humanist Funeral? A Humanist Funeral Ceremony is non-religious and is written personally to reflect the individuality of the person who has died and to celebrate the life they have lived. There is no set format so you can choose what you would like to include. You don't have to be a humanist yourself to have a humanist ceremony. It is appropriate for anyone who would like a non-religious ceremony and is based on what we all have in common – our humanity and human values. Sometimes families of mixed beliefs choose a humanist ceremony because they can all agree on the non-religious, personal content. What is included in a Humanist Funeral? A Humanist Funeral Ceremony can contain poems, readings, music and tributes. Family and friends are welcome to contribute as much or as little as they wish. The only guideline is that it does not contain any religious content such as prayers or hymns. However, it is quite acceptable to have a moment or two of quiet reflection during the ceremony where guests with a religious belief may have a private prayer if they wish. What is my role as a Humanist Celebrant? I will spend time with you to find out as much as possible about the person who has died to help you plan a personal ceremony. Each ceremony is written individually and afterwards you will receive a copy of the script. How and where? Although most Humanist Funeral Ceremonies are held at the local crematorium there are no legal restrictions as to where a ceremony can be held and a licence is not required. You can hold a funeral ceremony anywhere you like provided you have the necessary permission e.g. a private house, local village hall or at a favourite place outdoors. The committal can then take place at a crematorium, burial ground or on private land (subject to certain restrictions). This means that you can choose your location, indoors or out, from the Lake District to the Yorkshire Dales and celebrate the life of your loved one in a place that was special to them. An outdoor ceremony... There is something very special about funerals held in the outdoors as being outside emphasises that death is a natural part of life. With the growing number of woodland burial grounds, outdoor funerals are becoming more common. There are natural burial grounds in Allerdale, Barrow-in-Furness, Carlisle, Entwistle, Morecambe and Preston. The small things.. It is often the small things that make a funeral more personal and heartfelt and which can transform the whole experience. This could be as simple as choosing their favourite poem or piece of music or putting together a collection of photographs which reflects their life. The process of choosing and co-ordinating the words, music and imagery means you are able to describe and honour the person you love and, in doing so, you will achieve something that will help yourself and others to come to terms with their death.. More time at the crematorium... A twenty minute service at the crematorium can seem insufficient time to do justice to a person’s whole life. However, it is possible to book more time at the crematoria in Carlisle, Barrow and Lancaster. This would allow you to have a longer ceremony, to decorate the room if you wish and give you more time to gather and settle before the ceremony begins. Scattering of Ashes and Memorials... If you would like to celebrate a person’s life some time after their cremation or burial I can help you put together a personal Memorial Ceremony. I can also conduct a ceremony which involves scattering ashes. This can be held at any outdoor location, which could include the local fells as I am a qualified Summer Mountain Leader. An Inspirational Funeral Ceremony... I would like to help you create a personal funeral ceremony for the person you have lost, which not only tells their story and conveys those things that were important to them, but just as importantly enables you to say goodbye in the way that you wish. I began researching non-religious ceremonies after I lost my own father five years ago. He was an atheist but left no specific wishes for his funeral. At the time we were not aware of the different options available and therefore arranged for him to have a simple ceremony conducted by the local vicar at the crematorium. His ceremony was personalised by family, friends and ex-work colleagues who took part, including myself. I felt that only an immediate family member could give a true picture of him as a father and grandfather. Although it was one of the most difficult moments in my life I am very glad that I took the moment to express both my thoughts and feelings and to remember the many happy times that we had shared together as a family. It was this experience and my daughters’ Naming Ceremony that motivated me to train with the British Humanist Association to become a humanist celebrant.
|
