Funerals & Memorials
photo by K. Mitch Hodge
A Humanist funeral or memorial/commemoration ceremony is a celebration of the life of the deceased, providing an opportunity for family and friends to share their memories and come together for mutual support. A memorial usually follows sometime after a funeral, allowing others to pay their respects, having been unable to attend the funeral. Whatever, the outcome is the same for those who neither subscribe to a belief in nor expect an afterlife, at a ceremony that focuses on the events, achievements and relationships that make up a life - decidedly comforting and meaningful.
We maintain and support a number of registered officiants who can compose and conduct non-religious ceremonies, as alternatives to the traditional religious service. These ceremonies are increasingly popular and in demand and you may already have experienced one of these, which are held in high regard as being dignified, moving, respectful and very person-focused and are not, therefore, a service in the religious sense of worship. They do not include prayers, hymns or bible readings, but great care is taken to avoid giving offence to anyone, whatever their personal beliefs. The composition of a funeral script develops from a meeting with the bereaved family, normally of around 2 hours duration. The humanist funeral is a ceremony for everyone and will normally include an opportunity for mourner’s private reflection or prayers. Following the essential family visit and/or contact with peers, our officiant will compose a ceremony which honours the life of the person who has passed and his/her impact on the people who shared key aspects of their life. There can be readings of prose or poetry and an opportunity for direct participation by a family member or friend if so desired. Whatever, the humanist funeral is totally focused as a tribute, in celebration of the life, character and history of the deceased and almost without exception, we receive a message of appreciation from grateful relative(s), some of which if agreed are often posted to our website as a testimonial.
Music, usually chosen by the family, is mostly provided via pre-recorded CD, but live music can be included by an organist, pianist or other musician, such as a piper with full highland regalia etc! We can either take full responsibility for the entire ceremony, or advise/help the family on how to do it for themselves, or any permutation within these two options. We can officiate at cremations, interments or memorials which may be held in a crematorium, a funeral director’s service room, at a graveside, a private home or at virtually any other location, subject to the usual logistics etc.
A fee is charged, see here, normally dealt with by the funeral director as disbursements.
If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to ask.
Non-religious celebration of life
As with many situations that we would rather not have to confront, the arranging of a funeral is something that we all have to deal with sooner or later. Sensitive help is essential as it is difficult in the midst of grief and shock - as in the case of sudden bereavement – to know what to do. That’s when a funeral director can ease the burden.
If the family has a minister, support and advice are immediately available but increasingly, with no church contacts or religious ties, people can feel helpless and alone. For people with no religious beliefs, a Humanist funeral has become a real option. These mainly take the form of a cremation or burial ceremony, with some memorial events conducted when the funeral ceremony has been held further afield or where the deceased has donated his/her body to medical research.
A Humanist funeral ceremony is usually - but not necessarily – conducted at a Crematorium or Burial ground. It does not involve a minister of religion, and makes no reference to faith-based concepts but it is personal and dignified and in accordance with the wishes of the deceased and bereaved relatives. It is therefore unique, created especially for the departed loved one, containing whatever elements those arranging the ceremony wish to have included. It is usual for a segment of the ceremony to be based on a descriptive biographical sketch of the deceased so that the life just ended may be celebrated in an appropriate way. Such details are determined during an extensive visit to the home of the deceased, or other family member. As with religious funerals, music, readings or personal contributions from friends or relatives can be included in the composition. Indeed, since the format and content of the ceremony are matters to be decided by those arranging the event, virtually anything is possible. A humanist funeral is a ceremony for everyone and for those who observe religious practice, the opportunity for silent reflection is provided.
For anyone preferring a more environmentally friendly approach, a wicker or cardboard coffin or even hessian shroud is an option. Woodland burials can also be conducted by a humanist officiant.
Contact can be made via the chosen funeral director or call our team and we will help you with your enquiry:
Duncan, Falkirk - 07776 382 641
Elizabeth, Cumbernauld - 07500 118 094
Linda, St Cyrus - 07720 739 986
Natalie, Motherwell - 07816 210 792
Sarah, Stirling - 07855 754 202
Stephen, Edinburgh, Fife - 07597 377 474
Susan, Falkirk - 07979 340 099
DIGNITY EQUALITY RESPECT
