A Humanist funeral ceremony is a positive and dignified celebration of the life of a non-religious person. There are no hymns, or prayers but it is inclusive. Celebrants acknowledge that the mourners are likely to have a range of beliefs so there would be a space for reflection and a quiet personal prayer.
All life comes to an end and we accept that there is no evidence of a life after death, but we know that the deceased will be immortal in the memories of their family and friends. We concentrate on the life that has been, so the central part of the ceremony is usually a tribute to the life of the deceased. This can be written and delivered by the celebrant but family and friends are encouraged to say a few words by way of their tribute, or to read a poem, if they wish.
Music is usually played and it can help capture specific memories or characteristics of a loved one. The choice of music is now very broad; It can be played on the organ, played live by family or friends or reproduced on CD or tape. Particular pieces of prose of poetry can also evoke images and memories. The key point is that the celebrant will wish you to feel that the ceremony is one that your loved one would have been pleased with, and that we have done them justice. It is your celebration so you make the choices. Our ceremonies are created in consultation with the bereaved. The scope of their content can be very wide-ranging and they give the opportunity to reflect on the life of the deceased.
Most funerals in Britain now take place in crematoria and this is true in the southwest too. Humanist celebrants will, of course, also conduct burials in cemeteries, woodland or greenburial sites or any other venue the family may choose.
It is advisable that you contact a celebrant at the earliest opportunity to be sure that they are free on the chosen day. Our celebrant would wish to visit you to discuss your requirements and to gather information, such as date and place of birth, life-story, hobbies and music, poems, prose, and some anecdotes with which to build a picture for the tribute. Contributions from friends or family can be organised.
Please contact any of the celebrants listed on the celebrants page to discuss humanist funerals further, or contact the Administrator
