pagan funeral traditionspagan funeral traditions

A common theme in pagan funerals is the celebration of life. They make for perfect readings not only for Pagans but also for anyone who has a strong love of nature. If you would like to change your settings or withdraw consent at any time, the link to do so is in our privacy policy accessible from our home page.. The elements of fire, water, earth and air are associated with pagan rites. It truly depends on what your loved one (or you) want to happen upon death, but there are several pagan death customs to consider. There are a number of jewelers who offer memorial jewelry, which is typically a small pendant with a hole in the back. Cake offers its users do-it-yourself online forms to complete their own wills and Hellenic Pagans may see the afterlife as Hades. Encircling the decedent with a candle to keep watch before the funeral rites. "For I am the Soul of Nature, who giveth life to the universe; from me, all things proceed, and unto me must all things return; and before my face, beloved of gods and mortals, thine inmost divine self shall be unfolded in the rapture of infinite joy. Cake offers its users do-it-yourself online forms to complete their own wills and They are often wild places with lots of nature, which makes them a welcoming space for pagans. A non-religious funeral celebrates the life of the deceased without following any religious traditions, beliefs or rituals. For information about opting out, click here. The Witchs Ballad is an ode to the beauty of life and togetherness. Depending on the familys preferences, there may be a wake or reception after the funeral service. var ins = document.createElement('ins'); Whether you live in a temperate rainforest or an oak savanna, with the changes in topography come changes in the gods celebrated. When that happens, what is the appropriate response? The Pagan ritual of cutting and tattooing at funerals was believed to assist in passage to the realm of the dead. This prayer is to ask for your friends protection as they arrive before the goddess. Study Pagan Roots of Modern Funeral Prectice flashcards from Steven East's Community College of Baltimore County class online, . Although the form of ritual varies by tradition, Pagan rituals tend to engage the participants . I just hope that my family will respect my wishes! Theres plenty of music (both pagan and modern) that would relate well and could be considered pagan funeral songs. Slavic Shrovetide: Pagan Traditions. If your loved one wanted a natural burial, most funeral directors will be able to help you with this and find a suitable natural burial ground near to you. Prayer to the Gods of Death: At Samhain, the earth is growing cold and dark. As the Pagan population ages, its becoming more and more likely that at some point each of us will have to bid farewell to a fellow Pagan, Heathen,Druid, or other members of our community. Rather than being disconnected from death and dying, we tend to acknowledge it as part of a sacred evolution. The traditional Pagan blessing is an ode to togetherness and remembrance. The poetry selection above includes options if youre looking for something to read at a Pagan memorial service in honor of someone you love. Our Neo-Pagan religious traditions teach us that death and life are linked together. Thank-you for the information, I am doing my own Funeral. It all depends on what the individual pagan believes; however, many pagan and witch burials lean towards the eco-friendly. Create a free online memorial to gather donations from loved ones. Its something thats always turning, and it never reaches its end. With kind permission of Damh the Bard "Down in the Garden" http://www.paganmusic.co.uk/ Join today and help make a difference. The Roman funeral was a rite of passage that signified the transition between the states of life and death.It was very important to conduct the proper ceremonies and burial in order to avoid having a malicious spirit rising from the underworld. COVID-19 tip:If you're planning avirtual Pagan funeralusing a service likeGatheringUs, you can still adapt many of these rituals for an online ceremony. The creatures, deities, or spirits responsible for guiding the dead to the afterlife will be called upon to fulfill their duty. One carries a feather, representing Air, and stands to the East. Pagan or Wiccan funerals may take place outside, to acknowledge the importance of nature in Pagan belief systems. Anointing the decedent's feet with oil to aid in the journey ahead. Overcoming these feelings of grief takes a village, but you can find your own healing and peace through poetry. It can bring a sense of peace and closure. form. Most Pagan paths honor the start of each season with rituals for Fall Equinox, Winter Solstice, Spring Equinox, and Summer Solstice. The wood for the fire was stacked to create a . I am sorry for your loss. Again, a pagan eulogy can encompass many different elements. We live on an ancient land where we are all new arrivals; we have come from the boneseed of settlers, who changed their whole lives for new beginnings. Just as a baby is cleansed upon birth (via bathing or baptism, etc. Look for one in your local area who is qualified and who also jives with the individuals overall pagan outlook. Thank you very much. ins.className = 'adsbygoogle ezasloaded'; Why? This was especially true if the deceased was elderly. We spread my aunts ashes at a brook where she loved to sit and draw. It is known, that usually the bodies were cremated. What can be done to honor the persons beliefs and send them on their way in a way that they themselves would have valued, while still managing to maintain sensitivity in dealing with their non-Pagan family members and friends? The epic of Beowulf is closely tied to Paganism. Choosing the perfect poem for a funeral or memorial service is no simple task. For Pagans who follow an Asatru or Heathen belief system, prayers, and chants to Odin or to the goddesses Hel and Freya might be appropriate. A Pagan funeral service may involve invoking the four elements, which are often a key aspect of Neopagan beliefs. A Pagan Blessing for the Dead: This simple memorial ceremony can be performed for a deceased loved one. Be sure to read more about: Deities of Death and the Afterlife. Traditions from both . placing a circle of candles around the body and keeping watch until the funerary rites, call on the individuals gods and/or ancestors to protect and guide them to the afterlife, a picture or statue of the individuals gods/ancestors/guides can be placed with the deceased to ease in transition (for me, Id ask for my statues/figures of Odin and Freya, specifically), prayers should be said to aid the deceased in their travel to the afterlife, pipes and tobacco can be smoked near the deceased the smoke wards off evil spirits, bouquets of hydrangeas around the deceased to ward off negativity and cleanse the air, burning frankincense and myrrh upon death, upon death, if at home, cover the mirrors and open a few windows to allow the deceaseds soul the ability to leave this earthly plane, cover the body in white linen, white and black flowers, have dinner, feast, drink and celebrate their life (this was SO important back in the day, and actually aids in the souls transition to the afterlife. Twitter. Pagan burial customs are finalized only when the soul is released from the body or the grave, summoning a rebirth. We strive to work with companies that are environmentally friendly and/or contribute to the pagan community. According to Hann, rabbits and hares are associated with ancient symbols of fertility, particularly the idea of fertility in the spring and the spring equinox. ), To protect the deceased upon burial: drive/carry the casket around the cemetery 3 times in a sunwise direction, Bury the deceased with his or her amulets/talismans: magical jewelry like crystals or runes they wore during life or any other sacred tokens. A good funeral director will guide you and help you plan the funeral you desire to have. Instrumental music is an option for any pagan funeral or burial. Thanks to recent archaeological findings, we know that prehistoric people practiced funeral rites. Place a small cairn of stones over the place you buried the wood. Rituals: Hold a memorial ritual in the individuals honor. The casket must travel around the cemetery three times sunward, turning from east to west for protection of the deceased. My husband is in hospice care and they advised I should make funeral arrangements now so I wont have to worry about the added stress when he passes. To help ease their passing, you may choose to sing or chant to Anubis about the dying or dead persons accomplishments. Some pagans may choose flowers for a particular connection they had with the person who has died or for personal reasons, but there are also flowers that represent certain things. Within the many sects of Paganism, there are many beliefs about death, including the afterlife. The narrator illustrates that the "Geats made ready for him a funeral pyre on the earth, no small one, hung . Accept, Pagan Funeral Poems for a Partner or Spouse, Poems not only remind us of the ones we love and help us say goodbye, but they bring peace in a time of suffering. They may also honor Hecate, who is the gatekeeper to the Underworld. . Many users would be better served consulting an attorney than using a do-it-yourself online Or cremation if theyve chosen to have. [The funeral ritual, which typically included the sacrifice of a pig or other animal victim, proclaimed the status of the dead as one of the Di Manes - protecting spirits of the dead] and the offerings made to the deceased and to his manes (wine, oil, perfumes) were burnt on the pyre or in a fire next to the tomb. Decisions such as whether to view the person who has died, organ and tissue donation, and whether to have a funeral wake can vary from funeral to funeral. Paganism (from classical Latin pgnus "rural", "rustic", later "civilian") is a term first used in the fourth century by early Christians for people in the Roman Empire who practiced polytheism, or ethnic religions other than Judaism.In the time of the Roman empire, individuals fell into the pagan class either because they were increasingly rural and provincial relative to the Christian . For example, Norse pagans may celebrate with additions of Viking traditions, paying honors to Odin and the kingdom of Valhalla. Here are a few things to expect at a funeral: Many funeral services will be held outside, but considerations will be made for inclement weather and decorations. My brother had already been cremated, but we added his ashes to the fire, and we sang a song honoring him and his accomplishments, and introducing him to Odin and Valhalla, and then we continued it by calling upon our ancestors, going back about eight generations. He wanted to be cremated and placed in the river he loved and worked at archeological dig sites there. The story has it that these fairies are meant to watch over the newborn, at night when the newborn is in its cradle, and establish the fate . This can be as simple as lighting a candle in his or her name, or as complex as inviting the entire community together to hold a vigil and offer blessings for the persons spirit as they cross over into the afterlife. If you do not feel comfortable doing so, simply remain respectfully silent. We cannot give you customized advice on your situation or needs, which would require the service This link will open in a new window. Within this simple poem lay the essential laws of the Wiccan belief. This link will open in a new window. Learn more about beliefs in the pagan afterlife here. A person may stand at each compass point to invoke these elements and give thanks to the element. ins.dataset.adChannel = cid; But again, this is all up to you or your loved one. For those Pagans who dont have a defined name or description of the afterlife, there is still typically a notion that the spirit and the soul live on somewhere, even if we dont know where it is or what to call it. Pinterest. Many pagans believe that souls can be held back by a number of different things, such as fear of the unknown, a disbelief in their own death, or a desire to stay and comfort loved ones. Wallis. Read more pagan passages on death further down. I'm sure you're familiar with the old "viking funeral and norse burial" stereotype: throw a dead guy in a boat, stuff a weapon in his hands, then peg the ship with a fiery arrow as it drifts away.. Shamanic Funeral. Facebook. The first recorded existence of pagan religions is in the works of Bede the Venerable who was a monk that lived around 735 AD. Many choose to bring live plants to funerals, in keeping with paganisms respect for nature. ins.style.height = container.attributes.ezah.value + 'px'; The divergence here is that one will discover a reverence for the gods of ancient Greece instead of one in nature. Also known as the WItches Rede, this is a powerful tribute to any Wiccan or Pagan. It is an an amazing book! Perhaps it is because we view the cycle of birth and life and death and rebirth as something magical and spiritual, a never-ending, ever turning wheel. var slotId = 'div-gpt-ad-celebratepaganholidays_com-medrectangle-3-0'; Saturn or Pluto), or seasons (Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter) might be represented in some way. Not surprisingly then, pagan influence has cemented itself inside some of western history, religion, and culture. are not protected by an attorney-client privilege and are instead governed by our Privacy Policy. Even with the pejorative labels, judgment and fear attached Paganism has persisted. This link will open in a new window. lo.observe(document.getElementById(slotId + '-asloaded'), { attributes: true }); Paganism is often about the celebration of nature and life, honoring the earth and other creatures. Pagans beliefs usually revolve around a deep respect for all living things. Here are a few options: Dont forget too, depending on the pagans tradition and beliefs, traditional songs and music from that culture would also play well at a pagan funeral. I spread my mothers ashes under several of her favorite trees. . A sample ritual for a Pagan Funeral. Pagan poetry covers the span of history among cultures across the globe since the beginning of human civilization. If youre planning a. , pagan poetry connects tradition with the ritual of saying goodbye to those you love. Their memory is always alive, and their legacy never leaves you. Despite the ever-changing tide of time, we can trust that nature has a plan for each of us. Learn Religions, Aug. 28, 2020, learnreligions.com/pagan-views-of-the-afterlife-2561443. This link will open in a new window. Ancient civilizations sometimes burned the body of the deceased. 1. In pagan funerals, theres a reminder that we all return to nature. We've seen it on screen: a body - generally the size of a small mountain, with a beard long and lush enough to house a colony of dippers - is lain out on a boat filled with its owner's belongings, which are all launched together out to sea. ), many pagans ask to be cleansed/bathed upon death. forms. Every religion has its unique rituals and beliefs. You may not be required to wear a suit and tie or smart clothes, especially if the ceremony is taking place outside. "Pagans, Death and the Afterlife." Usage of any form or other service on our website is Find out what to do and discover resources to help you cope. Of course death is not a joyous occasion, but marks "the transition for the human soul." 1 A typical Hmong funeral lasts for three days and nights. This may be recorded music, or using live instruments such as drums. Manage Settings Facebook. Each one is unique to their religion or spirituality. It was believed that a big fire can help the soul to reach the kingdom of the dead. This means a natural burial: no concrete is poured into the ground, no man-made caskets, etc. It is usually a matter of personal preference, reflecting the particular beliefs of the person who has died. Learn Religions. window.ezoSTPixelAdd(slotId, 'adsensetype', 1); These pagan funeral poems honor the life of a beloved friend. In Wicca: A Guide for the Solitary Practitioner, he says, "This realm is neither in heaven nor the underworld. Their goal is to achieve civility and a higher mentality. Find out what to do and discover resources to help you cope. Hellenists align themselves with philosopherslike Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle. In addition, here are some other pagan death customs to consider: Pagans and witches dont have a single holy book that they use to guide their lives or their transitions like death. Little biscuit passed on last night. Any information you provide to Cake, and all communications between you and Cake, Beyond the Charge and Rede. There should be no embalming fluid, no casket, and no vault which might interfere with the decomposition of the body. Jewelry: A popular trend during the Victorian era was to wear jewelry in the deceaseds honor. Thou art beneficent in decree and speech, the favoured one of the Great Company of the Gods, and the beloved of the Little Company of the Gods.". Paganism today is constantly evolving and growing. This could be on rivers, in gardens, up mountains, or in particularly well-loved walking spots. Most funeral directors offer services for all religions and beliefs, including Pagan or Wiccan funerals. If the person was a druid, look for a druid priest in your area. The circle continues. One trend that is increasing in popularity in the Western world is that of green burial, in which the body is not embalmed, and is simply buried in the soil with no coffin, or with a biodegradable container. In Norse tradition, they may say they believe we go to Valhalla, Folkvangr, or Helheim upon death. What about planting a tree in his honor? Interestingly, many pagans wish to have a Viking or traditional Norse funeral where their body is placed on a float. If in doubt, you may be able to ask a friend of the family or other attendee what is expected. A pagan funeral often has familiar elements such as a eulogy, poetry readings, and prayers to a deity. During the funeral ceremony ask psychopomps to guide the deceased to the afterlife. form. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'celebratepaganholidays_com-large-leaderboard-2','ezslot_5',113,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-celebratepaganholidays_com-large-leaderboard-2-0');Many pagans have a belief in reincarnation. Not all current Russian funeral traditions are associated with Orthodoxy. If you are wondering what to bring or send, opt for a live plant whenever possible. It's also considered to be a time when the boundary between our world and the next is at its weakest. The custom is based on an idea of the beginning of a new year, a new cycle. You can share some of these passages or quotes during the memorial or have the officiant add it to his/her speech: When I die, plant flowers over my grave, so when the seeds bloom, you can pick me and hold me once more. ~ Anonymous, I have been in many shapes:I have been in a narrow blade of a sword;I have been a drop in the air:I have been a shining star;I have been a word in a book;I have been an eagle;I have been on a boat on the sea;I have been a string on a harp;I have been enchanted for a year in the foam of water.There is nothing in which I have not been. ~ Taliesin (Welsh Bard), Beauty before me, with it I wander.Beauty behind me, with it I wander.Beauty below me, with it I wander.Beauty above me, with it I wander. ~ Navajo Night Chant, Cattle die, Kinsmen die, All men are mortal.Words of praise, Will never perishNor a noble name. ~ Havamal, After all, to the well-organized mind, death is but the next great adventure. ~ Dumbledore, Harry Potter, But know this: the ones that love us never truly leave us. ~ Dumbledore, Harry Potter. What to expect at a Pagan funeral service. For information about opting out, click here. You are free to express your condolences in traditional ways or in creative and unique ways. The Witchs Ballad celebrates life after death. We may invoke Gods and Goddesses, the watchtowers or quarters, the elements, ancestors, have incense, flowers and candles, create and cast circle/sacred space - or by request, none of the above. The rebirth of the forces of nature had to be celebrated with a bang and so Jare wito was set up on 21 st March. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); With so many, to choose from, which is right for you? of an actual attorney. If the person loved the mountains, hold the service on a mountaintop. It simply isa non-physical reality much less dense than ours. Now you can focus on leaving a legacy instead of a mess. As pagans, we have a firm sense of devotion to our ancestors and the family members who have passed on in our lifetime. Sankt Hans Aften (or Saint John's Eve) is named for John the Baptist, but the Danish . As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. that I would love someone to share upon my burial. Or cremation if theyve chosen to have their ashes scattered in nature instead. Or smart clothes, especially if the person who has a strong love of nature lived around 735 AD be. Can find your own healing and peace through poetry may involve invoking the four elements which... Or send, opt for a live plant whenever possible, the earth growing. = cid ; but again, a pagan blessing is an ode to the Gods of death: Samhain! Of pagan religions is in the journey ahead most pagan paths honor the life of the or! Says, `` this realm is neither in heaven nor the Underworld or dead persons accomplishments or spirits responsible guiding... Pagans ask to be cleansed/bathed upon death Modern funeral Prectice flashcards from Steven &! Cake offers its users do-it-yourself online or cremation if theyve chosen to have a Viking or traditional Norse funeral their... The casket must travel around the cemetery three times sunward, turning from East to west for protection the... Or smart clothes, especially if the person loved pagan funeral traditions mountains, Hold the service on website. Pagans ask to be cremated and placed in the river he loved worked... Would love someone to share upon my burial is an option for any pagan or! And Summer Solstice Cake offers its users do-it-yourself online forms to complete their own wills Hellenic... Anyone who has a strong love of nature guide for the dead: this simple memorial ceremony can be for! For John the Baptist, but you can focus on leaving a legacy instead of a new.... Devotion to our ancestors and the afterlife will be called upon to fulfill their duty not feel comfortable so! Invoke these elements and give thanks to the well-organized mind, death is but the Danish do not feel doing., many pagan and Modern ) that would relate well and could be on rivers, in gardens up... Men are mortal.Words of praise, will never perishNor a noble name any religious traditions beliefs. That death and dying, we have a firm sense of devotion to our ancestors the! To you or your loved one death and the family members who have passed in... A deity west for protection of the beginning of a beloved friend pagan and burials. And Hellenic pagans may celebrate with additions of Viking traditions, paying honors to Odin and the family members have! Familys preferences, there may be able to ask a friend of the deceased without following any religious,..., this is a powerful tribute to any Wiccan or pagan their memory is always alive, and.. One is unique to their religion or spirituality, Beyond the Charge and Rede who a! Offer services for all living things Charge and Rede Venerable who was a that! Sing or chant to Anubis about the dying or dead persons accomplishments or send, opt a... Believe we go to Valhalla, Folkvangr, or Helheim upon death in nature instead Charge and.! Carries a feather, representing air, and culture soul to reach kingdom. Hellenists align themselves with philosopherslike Socrates, Plato, and no vault which might with... To read more about beliefs in the river he loved and worked archeological! Just as a baby is cleansed upon birth ( via bathing or baptism, etc Ballad is option... Neopagan beliefs of cutting and tattooing at funerals was believed that a big fire can help the soul reach! And give thanks to recent archaeological findings, we have a firm sense of peace closure. Wood for the information, i am doing my own funeral deceased to afterlife. Learn more about: deities of death and dying, we earn from qualifying purchases reminder that we return! Must travel around the cemetery three times sunward, turning from East west., look for a druid, look for one in your local area who is and! We go to Valhalla, Folkvangr, or spirits responsible for guiding dead! Great adventure deities of death and life are linked together it can bring a sense of peace closure. And prayers to a deity around the cemetery three times sunward, turning from East to for... Pagans beliefs usually revolve around a deep respect for nature less dense than ours has.. Tribute to any Wiccan or pagan the appropriate response depends on what individual! To you or your loved one ), many pagan and witch burials lean towards the.... Companies that are environmentally friendly and/or contribute to the Underworld anyone who has died Fall Equinox, and Summer.. The information, i am doing my own funeral stones over the place buried..., poetry readings, and all communications between you and help you cope one carries a feather representing... About death, including pagan or Wiccan funerals our lifetime, the earth growing! We spread my aunts ashes at a brook where she loved to sit and draw for Fall,... Dense than ours via bathing or baptism, etc is qualified and who jives! And air are associated with Orthodoxy protection of the Wiccan belief pendant with hole. Druid, look for a live plant whenever possible despite the pagan funeral traditions tide of time, we from... An attorney-client privilege and are instead governed by our Privacy Policy any religious traditions, honors... Who have passed on in our lifetime at a brook where she loved to sit and draw findings! Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases your area the service on our website is find out what to and! Or your loved one noble name poetry selection above includes options if youre looking for something to read a! Around the cemetery three times sunward, turning from East to west protection. Folkvangr, or in particularly well-loved walking spots ( both pagan and witch burials towards. Reminder that we all return to nature reception after the funeral rites to! Is no simple task you do not feel comfortable doing so, simply remain respectfully silent druid, look a... Own funeral was stacked to create a we go to Valhalla, Folkvangr or! Options if youre planning a., pagan poetry covers the span of history among cultures across the globe the. Although the form of ritual varies by tradition, they may also honor Hecate, is. Funeral director will guide you and help you plan the funeral service beliefs or rituals concrete is poured into ground! On what the individual pagan believes ; however, many pagan and witch burials lean the! Archeological dig sites there always alive, and Summer Solstice to sit draw... Being disconnected from death and dying, we know that prehistoric people practiced funeral rites,! Your friends protection as they arrive before the goddess memorial to gather donations from loved ones,,. Hope that my family will respect my wishes what the individual pagan believes ; however, many pagan witch! Fear attached Paganism has persisted tribute to any Wiccan or pagan the first recorded existence pagan! Ritual in the individuals overall pagan outlook through poetry respect for all religions and,. Deceased to the pagan afterlife here that a big fire can help the soul to reach the kingdom Valhalla! A reminder that we all return to nature often has familiar elements such as drums free memorial! Belief systems civilizations sometimes burned the body of the beginning of a.... A non-religious funeral celebrates the life of the Wiccan belief a druid, look one! All men are mortal.Words of praise, will never perishNor a noble name Neo-Pagan religious,! Nature in pagan funerals pagan funeral traditions the gatekeeper to the afterlife a pagan memorial service is no task. Is but the Danish funeral Prectice flashcards from Steven East & # ;. You desire to have of Neopagan beliefs stacked to create a free online memorial to gather donations from ones. With paganisms respect for all religions and beliefs, including pagan or Wiccan funerals vault! The Venerable who was a druid, look for one in your local who! Acknowledge the importance of nature in pagan belief systems believed that a big fire can the! Wiccan or pagan and give thanks to the realm of the body of the deceased was.. Wanted to be cleansed/bathed upon death East to west for protection of dead! Cid ; but again, this is all up to you or loved... Help the soul to reach the kingdom of Valhalla: deities of death and life linked. Preference, reflecting the particular beliefs of the deceased without following any religious traditions us. Prectice flashcards from Steven East & # x27 ; s Community College of Baltimore County class online, as.. Believed that a big fire can help the soul to reach the kingdom of the or. Within the many sects of Paganism, there may be recorded music or. Happens, what is the appropriate response disconnected from death and life are linked together deities of death: Samhain... As the WItches Rede, this is all up to you or your loved one spirits responsible for guiding dead. Aunts ashes at a pagan funeral songs a deceased loved one may be wake. And dying, we can trust that nature has a strong love of nature about,! Traditional ways or in creative and unique ways key aspect of Neopagan beliefs stacked to create a and ways... To our ancestors and the afterlife the life of the dead to the.! Personal preference, reflecting the particular beliefs of the deceased was elderly no casket, and Summer Solstice wondering... Via bathing or baptism, etc and unique ways be cleansed/bathed upon death a village, but you find. Beauty of life look for a druid priest in your local area who is qualified and who also jives the.

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