What is a humanist funeral?
A humanist funeral is a non-religious ceremony or memorial service to celebrate the life of and say goodbye to a loved one. It is most appropriate for those without any religious beliefs and can be held in a number of settings. You or the person who has died do not have to have officially been a ‘humanist’ and there doesn’t need to be any mention of humanism, it is just a non-religious memorial service.
What is humanism?
Humanism is a philosophical stance that emphasizes the value of human beings, individually and collectively rather than religion. Decisions are based on ethics from reason, empathy, and concern for others. They believe in the absence of an afterlife and therefore are dedicated to seeking happiness and helping others finding happiness also.
How do I arrange a humanist funeral?
Your funeral director can help you with this. A humanist funeral is usually conducted by a celebrant, family member, or close friend of the deceased. They do not include hymns or prayers, but often include music, non-religious poems or readings.
Where do I hold a humanist funeral?
Humanist funerals are usually held at the crematorium or natural burial site. If you decide to have a direct cremation, you can hold the funeral almost anywhere with or without the ashes of your loved one present, from a barrow such as Mid England Barrow to a hotel, village hall or event hall, even a family members’ house should this fit the requirements for suitability and capacity.
What is the format of a humanist funeral?
Each humanist funeral is different and should reflect the person you are paying tribute to. A humanist funeral is similar to any ceremony or memorial service which celebrates the life of someone who has died but just without mention of religion or God and religious undertones, hymns or readings.
Humanist UK gives a sample format to follow should you need some help. This is outlined below:
1. Music plays as the service begins
2. The celebrant welcomes the guests and sets the tone with a reflection on what it means to celebrate a life and say goodbye
3. The celebrant or a close family member reads the tribute (this is essentially the same as a eulogy and covers the life and character of the person who has died)
4. Friends and family stand up to give readings
5. The celebrant calls for a moment’s silence for thought
6. The coffin is taken from view
7. The celebrant shares some closing thoughts, and thanks guests for their attendance
8. Music plays as guests walk out
What music is appropriate at a humanist funeral?
The music should reflect the person who has died and pay tribute to their life, so can be almost anything, providing it is appropriate for a funeral. Popular choices are listed below:
But if you’d like some inspiration, some popular options for music are below or take a look at our non-religious funeral music blog.
• “Time to say goodbye” by Andrea Bocelli
• “Dust in the Wind” by Kansas
• “Over the Rainbow” by Eva Cassidy
• “Candle in the Wind” by Elton John
• “What a wonderful world” by Louis Armstrong
What readings or poems are appropriate?
Any non-religious readings or poems that have meaning or are heartfelt can be read at a poem, often a poem or reading with a life lesson or that reflect the character of the person who has died are chosen.
Some popular choices are below:
• Everyone must leave something behind, from Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury
• She Is Gone (He Is Gone) based on verse by David Harkins
• Real isn’t how you are made from The Velveteen Rabbit by Margery Williams
Who can hold the service?
A humanist funeral is usually led by a celebrant but could be conducted by a family member or close friend of the deceased. A celebrant takes the place of a vicar in guiding guests through the service with readings and music.
What happens after the humanist funeral?
You may wish to follow the funeral with a reception or wake either at the family’s home or another suitable venue.
We hope you found this useful. Should you wish to have a unique and respectful non-religious memorial for your loved one, please do take a look at our Life Treasury Home Book or one of our non-religious Library of Life locations such as Mid England Barrow, Manchester Crematorium or Blackburn Rovers FC.