Whether youre planning a memorial for a Pagan, a lover of nature, or youre simply looking for inspiration for the spiritual person in your life, this list is for you. The message rings true that as sure as the stars shine each night, your love continues forever. Pagan funerals are generally spiritual and about respecting the natural world and . Listed here are a few flowers and plants and their meanings so that you can make the right choice for funeral flowers. Depending on the departed one, some Pagans will keep the ashes close to their alter or worship place, and some will spread the ashes where the person wished to be spread, as a final release. Each one is unique to their religion or spirituality. We believe reflecting on our mortality can help us lead more meaningful lives. are not protected by an attorney-client privilege and are instead governed by our Privacy Policy. Body Disposition After a funeral service, the body is transported to either the cemetery . For the loss of a partner, this poem is a way to keep their memory close. Most pagan funeral rites are therefore held outdoors in a beautiful, natural setting. This means a natural burial: no concrete is poured into the ground, no man-made caskets, etc. . Reality was called the material world, and Navu was the other world. For example, Norse pagans may celebrate with additions of Viking traditions, paying honors to Odin and the kingdom of Valhalla. More Pagan Funeral Traditions: 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 Beach bonfires and burning witches at midsummer | 23 June. And if youre here, you likely do too. In the ancient times, fire played a big role in the religious life of slavic people and often was a part of many rituals, and burial was not an exception. Often referred to as a humanist or atheist funeral, they tend to follow a similar structure to a traditional ceremony. If the person loved the mountains, hold the service on a mountaintop. The Language of Flowers. Unfortunately, burning a person on a pyre is illegal in most places and frowned upon these days, so the pyre is probably not an option where you live. Instagram. A soul release ceremony aims to help the soul move on to the light. Your friend who adopted all of those shelter kittens would probably love it if you made a donation to the shelter in her name. Many users would be better served consulting an attorney than using a do-it-yourself online This was especially true if the deceased was elderly. Sometimes, the deceased may request a neo-Pagan ceremony to signify their transformation from the beginning of their journey at birth to the final stop in their life at death. var lo = new MutationObserver(window.ezaslEvent); 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. At Cake, we help you create one for free. You have given me wonderful thoughts dead. May his soul find peace and a nurturing travel to the otherworld. Then, add the painted wood atop the cord after the leather is alight. Massaging/anointing the deceaseds feet with oils for the long journey ahead; some oils used traditionally include: angelica, blackberry, chrysanthemum, tobacco, etc. There are natural cemeteries throughout the United States who accommodate eco-friendly witch burials. They love getting outside and exploring the natural world. 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. Wallis. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'celebratepaganholidays_com-leader-2','ezslot_10',105,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-celebratepaganholidays_com-leader-2-0');The funeral director can help you find an officiant based on your pagan practices. Though this might sound intimidating, she is kind to those under her care. Anointing the decedent's feet with oil to aid in the journey ahead. A person may stand at each compass point to invoke these elements and give thanks to the element. (Germanic) vigor superimposed upon the dominant Judeo Christian tradition. 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. These pagan funeral poems honor the life of a beloved friend. However, if you've never been to a pagan funeral before, here are some general practices you might expect: Goddesses and gods may be invoked to ask for blessings, thanksgivings, and to honor the decedent. What about planting a tree in his honor? There are shamans and ordained pagan ministers all over the country and the world. A sample ritual for a Pagan Funeral. Just as a baby is cleansed upon birth (via bathing or baptism, etc. Cremations & Burials The deceased were treated in different ways. Death is the great unifier, and its something all humans experience at one point. So today my family will have a small funeral for him and I am taking into account some of the ideas from this post! Imbolc is a pagan holiday celebrated from February 1 through sundown February 2. . This prayer is to ask for your friends protection as they arrive before the goddess. These are steeped in ancient traditions with reverence for the gods, nature, and the celebration of life. Katherines heritage is Native American (Northern Cheyenne and Arapaho) and Irish and she writes about family fun pagan activities, Native American and Celtic traditions. Our ancestors made funerals into parties! The elements of fire, water, earth and air are associated with pagan rites. Upon sunrise, light the brazier as it now sits directly over the hole. The Anglo-Saxons practiced the pagan customs of wergild, or the payback for lost men, and the belief of wyrd, which denotes one's fate or destiny (class notes 2/3/16). Ads are provided through Ezoic and provide an additional source of income. Members of non-Wiccan groups, particularly those who follow a more Reconstructionist slant, may see the afterlife as Valhalla or Flkvangr, for those who adhere to a Norse belief system, or Tir na nOg, for individuals who participate in a Celtic path. Regardless if times are bright or bleak, we must savor the time we have. They view funerals as an opportunity to reflect on the cycles which make up life, and to give thanks for its renewal. Preparation for the burial of the decedent includes: Afterward, the decedent's funeral will likely include a green burial to be as eco-friendly as possible. Many choose to bring live plants to funerals, in keeping with paganisms respect for nature. The Shaman visits the dying person and acquaints him or her with the practice of "Phowa", an ancient Shamanic tradition also described in the book "The Tibetan Book of Living and Dying". Continue with Recommended Cookies. LinkedIn. This isnt necessarily a strictly pagan custom, but something thats been done for thousands of years across cultures. The ancient Egyptian's pagan funeral customs were heavily influenced by their religious beliefs. Both burial and cremation are generally accepted by those with Pagan beliefs, although they are more likely to choose natural burial, in accordance with their respect for nature. The 8th century Germanic culture that serves as the setting of the epic was deeply rooted in Germanic warrior culture that believed in polytheism, a hierarchical structure that placed the strongest warrior at the forefront. Pinterest. Facebook. A Guidebook for the Modern Pagan Funeral Explore death and dying from the perspective of magical and Pagan communities. A time will come when we have to bid our loved ones goodbye. Find out what to do and discover resources to help you cope. Thank-you for the information, I am doing my own Funeral. We find reminders of those we love long after theyre gone. Paganism is often focused upon the celebration aspect of life, rather than the sorrow brought by death. 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. You can do a simple google search to locate one in your area. Witches generally do this at Samhain (Hallowe'en), when . This helps you to find peace, and allow your loved ones to go on with their [after-] life. 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. This is commonly not allowed in most places in the United States. Growing and Using White Sage for Smudging, Celebrate Pagan Holidays, PO Box 628051, Middleton, Wisconsin 53562, USA, Norse Mythology Children's Book Reviews For Pagan Families, The Law of Attraction: How Can It Help Your Practice, Rodnovery: Animal Totems And Spirit Guides, How to Setup a Norse Pagan Altar ( Complete list of supplies needed ), Cerridwen: Celtic Goddess of the Underworld and Moon, Full Moons Throughout The Year 2023: Names and Meanings, Heng - o (Ch'ang-o): Chinese Moon Goddess, 21 Best Pagan Names For Cats (Including Meanings). Learn more in our affiliate disclosure. Until modern times, Irish wake customs ran the gamut from profound grieving to what appeared to be rollicking good fun. 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. Theres plenty of music (both pagan and modern) that would relate well and could be considered pagan funeral songs. Still, others believe they will eternally feast with the gods in the great halls, while others may succumb to the dark Underworld, ruled by Hades. Cake values integrity and transparency. We cannot give you customized advice on your situation or needs, which would require the service Death gods and goddesses are also revered and honored rather than feared, expecting a certain kind of punishment. In nature! Then floated out to sea and lit afire. Others see it vaguely as a realm without forms, where energy swirls coexist with the greatest energiesthe Goddess and God in their celestial identities.". The Mycenaeans' funeral and burial rites would include many solemn traditions. Pour butter or corn oil, and hard liquor (if the decedent drank it) atop the tinder, leather, and painted wood. Wigington, Patti. A Pagan Blessing for the Dead: This simple memorial ceremony can be performed for a deceased loved one. Because the family referenced is united in Paganism, theyre bound together for all of eternity. Many pagan funerals focus on a connection with ancestors who have passed on. This link will open in a new window. A natural burial involves the body of the deceased being placed directly into the ground, without intervention. Little biscuit passed on last night. Funeral rites vary widely among spiritual beliefs. You'll discover ordained pagan priests or shamans all over the world that can be called upon to perform the funeral rites and service. Discoveries in northern Iraq, from as far back at 65,000 years ago, indicate that Neanderthals buried their dead on a bed of flowers. www.paganaid.org Drawing on ancient tradition and modern language, you can find poems about death, life, and everything in between. container.appendChild(ins); ", "Thy crown penetrateth the height of heaven, thou art the companion of the stars, and the guide of every god. Paint the names of the decedent on a piece of wood using white paint. Halloween Halloween comes from Celtic pagan roots. Now you can focus on leaving a legacy instead of a mess. 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. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. The custom is based on an idea of the beginning of a new year, a new cycle. This prayer is intended to soothe the dying and their family. Fairly take and fairly give.. It can encompass many aspects, such as honoring the ancestors, sharing stories, feasting, and a formal farewell to the departed. subject to our Terms of Use. Saturn or Pluto), or seasons (Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter) might be represented in some way. Pagan culture in Beowulf. If you follow an Egyptian, or Kemetic, path, you may choose to honor Anubis, the jackal-headed god of death. Etc. Cremation (often upon a funeral pyre) was particularly common among the earliest Vikings, who were fiercely pagan and believed the fire's smoke would help carry the deceased to their afterlife.. How about the gentleman who gave so much time cleaning up local parks? For example, if the person was Wiccan, search for an ordained high priest or priestess to officiate. Though nothing lasts forever, we can look forward to finding a brighter tomorrow. Rituals: Hold a memorial ritual in the individuals honor. As a pagan witch, I have no shortage of thoughts about it. Author, Katherine Fox, is our editor and one of our writers. hold an Irish wake: click here to learn more. Doreen Valiente is a talented Wiccan poet, giving words to many of the most well-loved Pagan rituals. Among some Buddhists it is common to have a funeral feast or banquet following cremation or burial.4 In a study of Muslim death and burial in a Jor danian village, Hilma Granquist discovered a series of meals following the funeral. Some people choose buttercups, which represent childhood friendship. lo.observe(document.getElementById(slotId + '-asloaded'), { attributes: true }); Paganism is often about the celebration of nature and life, honoring the earth and other creatures. Amy Wolkenhauer, BA in English/Creative Writing. Here are a few things to. The decline of pagan burial traditions begins with the Christianisation of Anglo Saxon Britain. We honor the departed and reflect upon our ancestors and others who have gone before us. About Patheos Pagan Channel. Disclosure: This site contains affiliate links to products and is a member of the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, Tamed Wild, among others. Though losing a friend is always challenging, there is peace in knowing their soul is at rest. Youre not celebrating for yourself, youre celebrating for the person who just died), burying the pagan/witch in good walking shoes for the journey ahead (for the love of the gods dont bury me in heels, people! 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 is perhaps the most widespread tradition amongst the Romanian people. This was approximately the same era as Caedmons. Not surprisingly then, pagan influence has cemented itself inside some of western history, religion, and culture. In folklore it is said that the person that closes the window would be cursed. At such a time, it may be extremely hard to come up with the words that we would like to say. We follow a strict editorial process to provide you with the best content possible. A great way to memorialize them is to do something for that cause that meant so much to them. Paint or write the name of the deceased person on a piece of ash wood using white paint. Tawsha is a Pagan in Indiana who follows an eclectic path. Any information you provide to Cake, and all communications between you and Cake, Hopefully, this has been a helpful start. The Cauldron: A Pagan Forum welcomes Wiccans, Witches, Magicians, Druids, Asatru, and members and friends of all other positive Pagan religions. ins.style.minWidth = container.attributes.ezaw.value + 'px'; Considerations for particular gods and goddesses may also be honored and worshipped. When that happens, what is the appropriate response? Your partner was the crown of your company, and this is an honor youll hold no matter what. In Pagan mythology, Hel is the goddess of death. The difference is that Shamanism is isolationist and tribal, while Wiccan beings share some beliefs with the spiritually minded. 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. "The Balance of the Wheel" by Elizabeth Barrette In the Pagan belief system, time is often imagined like a wheel. Pagan funeral. God and Goddesses of Death and the Underworld., www.learnreligions.com/gods-and-goddesses-of-death-2562693, Wigington, Patty. This might include a brooch holding their ashes, or a bracelet woven from their hair. Old traditions are passed on from generation to generation. Process the ashes after they are cool inside a wooden bowl with a stick. This was approximately the same era as Caedmons Dream of the Rood, which marks the earliest known mention of Christ in Old English literature. 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. Wigington, Patti. Thanks to recent archaeological findings, we know that prehistoric people practiced funeral rites. Pagan burial customs are finalized only when the soul is released from the body or the grave, summoning a rebirth. Many of these traditions live on to this day under the guise of Christianity or superstition. window.ezoSTPixelAdd(slotId, 'adsensetype', 1); For example, most Celtic music is enchanting, uplifting and serene and would do well at a witch burial or pagan funeral. The body of the deceased would lie in state, followed by a procession to the resting place, either a single grave or a family tomb. In some ways, the service may resemble a traditional funeral, including a eulogy, poetry readings, and prayers to the Goddess. You are free to express your condolences in traditional ways or in creative and unique ways. { } Days of the Week The Russians still celebrate pagan holidays, many people believe in numerous omens and legends. Easter. Place the wood inside and bury it. Keep in mind that any affiliate product we recommend is one that we use ourselves. Pagans beliefs usually revolve around a deep respect for all living things. So there death is really a new beginning. It is known, that usually the bodies were cremated. Ive always did a ritual of my own for every animal ive ever had to bury. Instead, they choose to celebrate life which was lived. Though we dont live forever, we learn to savor the time we have as a blessing. For example, it is still common to have readings, to bring flowers, and to play music, though none of these things are compulsory. So would Native American music like the flutes, as would Norse and traditional European music of many kinds. This is a poem about how difficult it is to think of your loved one as gone from this world. On Earth, the deceased lives on forever in our hearts and memories. Knowing that your friend is under Hels care can be a source of comfort. Followers of Neopaganism may be eclectic in their beliefs, drawing on traditional religions from across the world, engaging in practices such as witchcraft, worship of Pagan gods and respect for the natural world. Instagram. In addition, the casket or urn may make a circle around the gathering to symbolize unity. It invokes the powers of the earth, air, fire, and water to send the departed off to their next destination. Comprehensive listings to compare funeral directors near you, A Guide To Woodland Burials & Green Funerals. There may be food and drink served. Pagan funerals are beautiful, open, and gentle experiences that reflect on the intricacies and balances of life. We put in the work to identify the best short pagan funeral or memorial service poems. This starts the day before the decedent's first birthday, following their death. Invoking Gods, guides, and ancestors to ensure safe travel. Stories November 20, 2022. For many modern Pagans, there is a somewhat different philosophy on death and dying than what is seen in the non-Pagan community. They may resonate in terms of goddesses and gods, spirits or guides, even loved ones who have already passed, as in the Samhain celebration. Paganism involves the spiritual but non-religious worshipping of people, animals, plants, energies and the earth. To help ease their passing, you may choose to sing or chant to Anubis about the dying or dead persons accomplishments. And we dont have to have a Christian burial either. He belongs solely to the night. 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The perspective of magical and pagan communities recent archaeological findings, we can look forward to pagan funeral traditions brighter... ; Burials the deceased was elderly may make a circle around the to! To reflect on the cycles which make up life, and water to the! Might include a brooch holding their ashes, or Kemetic, path, can... Our ancestors and others who have passed on magical and pagan communities particular gods and may! Decedent 's first birthday, following their death create one for free to up! Him and I am taking into account some of western history, religion, water..., pagan influence has cemented itself inside some of western history, religion, prayers! And I am doing my own for every animal ive ever had to bury do something for cause... Circle around the gathering to symbolize unity to funerals, in keeping with paganisms respect for nature meaningful lives sorrow... Burials the deceased were treated in different ways provide you with the best short pagan customs... Can focus on a piece of wood using white paint in folklore it is known, that usually bodies!