According to D. Eric William's 2005 article, "Another Hole in Your Head," the practice allowed the person to cheat death of the spirit while giving the dead a dramatic send-off. Slowly over time, this festival sparked the interest of non-pagans as well, and now we have Halloween as we know it today. ins.dataset.adClient = pid; Pagan or Wiccan funerals may take place outside, to acknowledge the importance of nature in Pagan belief systems. Twitter. ", "Thy crown penetrateth the height of heaven, thou art the companion of the stars, and the guide of every god. . Often referred to as a humanist or atheist funeral, they tend to follow a similar structure to a traditional ceremony. This is a poem about how difficult it is to think of your loved one as gone from this world. Accept, The first recorded existence of pagan religions is in the works of Bede the Venerable who was a monk that lived around 735 AD. It simply isa non-physical reality much less dense than ours. The custom is based on an idea of the beginning of a new year, a new cycle. Read more about pagan death beliefs and the pagan afterlife here. The circle continues. 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. are not protected by an attorney-client privilege and are instead governed by our Privacy Policy. Add the leather cord. 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.. For the Celtic tradition, the Celtic Otherworld, Faery Realm or Tir Na Nog. With so many, to choose from, which is right for you? For example, most Celtic music is enchanting, uplifting and serene and would do well at a witch burial or pagan funeral. ), 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. Can you believe there is also a company who is composting human remains, as well? We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. Loss is hard. They evoke positivity and compassion, even in the most difficult of times. This helps you to find peace, and allow your loved ones to go on with their [after-] life. While not all areas permit this, it is something worth looking into for someone who truly wishes to be returned to earth as part of the cycle of life and death. Like the gods of the past, theyll live forever in each others memories. God and Goddesses of Death and the Underworld., www.learnreligions.com/gods-and-goddesses-of-death-2562693, Wigington, Patty. Learn Religions. Do this in their grave, in their yard, or by their back door. I am happy I could help in your time of transition. For Wiccans, this may be a priest or priestess or for Natives a shaman. . These are steeped in ancient traditions with reverence for the gods, nature, and the celebration of life. Yet the funeral rite is one of the best preserved in the lore. Hellenism, like the aforementioned pagan spiritualities, is also polytheistic. The Balance of the Wheel by Elizabeth Barrette, 3. https://www.learnreligions.com/pagan-views-of-the-afterlife-2561443 (accessed March 2, 2023). generalized educational content about wills. Choosing the perfect poem for a funeral or memorial service is no simple task. Anubis job is to determine whether the deceased is worthy of entering the underworld, by taking the individuals measure. You may hear readings from pagan sources such as the Egyptian Book of the Dead, the Prose Edda, the Mabinogion, the Book of Shadows, or the Carmina Gadelica. However, the body is embalmed in case of an open casket funeral or a delay. It is important to approach all funeral services with respect but in today's multi-cultural society it is becoming ever more common for people to attend funerals with customs and traditions that are different from what they know. Some people choose buttercups, which represent childhood friendship. E-mal:. Pinterest. Brainstorm with your funeral director or event planner to help you figure out the logistics or any limitations. Filled with rituals, meditations, legal considerations, and practical advice, this book provides profound insights into death as a spiritual process. He wanted to be cremated and placed in the river he loved and worked at archeological dig sites there. It is usually a matter of personal preference, reflecting the particular beliefs of the person who has died. Your friend who adopted all of those shelter kittens would probably love it if you made a donation to the shelter in her name. Pinterest. I spread my mothers ashes under several of her favorite trees. This link will open in a new window. The . An Irish wake is traditionally held in the home of the deceased or at the home of a close relative; this is known as the wake house. Then again, regular burials in a cemetery or being housed in a mausoleum are choices, too. advice. Various interpretations of funeral ceremonies exist among pagan religions, but the themes are similar. This link will open in a new window. 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. Thank you very much. Then, put the stones inside the hole. Upon death, pagan spirits travel to the afterlife. (Germanic) vigor superimposed upon the dominant Judeo Christian tradition. 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. Spreading ashes is a common part of cremation, an aspect of dealing with the departed in a way that makes those who have stayed behind feel they are free from earthly constraints. Partners are together forever in their mutual love for the goddess and her world. The Afterlife There were numerous ways of celebrating this day. A Pagan Blessing for the Dead: This simple memorial ceremony can be performed for a deceased loved one. 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. Wiccans will continue to celebrate the lives of deceased loved ones at the Witches New Year, or Samhain. window.ezoSTPixelAdd(slotId, 'stat_source_id', 44); A sample ritual for a Pagan Funeral. 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. Rooted in the ancient agrarian lifestyles, pagans around the globe hold great reverence for the powers of nature, women, and many deities. Be sure to read the following articles on death, dying and the afterlife: By clicking Accept All Cookies, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. If you are wondering what to bring or send, opt for a live plant whenever possible. But my husband is a Druid, and his beliefs are different and focus more on the Celtic view of the afterlife, which seems a little more ethereal to me. subject to our Terms of Use. If youre planning a. , pagan poetry connects tradition with the ritual of saying goodbye to those you love. Others choose periwinkle, a nod to past meetings, while some take irises for respect and honor. A funeral of this length means that the deceased is a well-respected person and has lived a wonderful life. 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. forms. Goodbye doesnt mean youll never see them again. It truly depends on what your loved one (or you) want to happen upon death, but there are several pagan death customs to consider. a traditional wailing for the dead practiced at funerals by Irish and Scottish women. They are often wild places with lots of nature, which makes them a welcoming space for pagans. This website uses cookies to improve your experience. Fairly take and fairly give.. The Pagan ritual of cutting and tattooing at funerals was believed to assist in passage to the realm of the dead. Though losing a friend is always challenging, there is peace in knowing their soul is at rest. A pagan ritual was the root of much of the goings-on at an Irish wake and much of the carrying-on was frowned upon by the church. I just hope that my family will respect my wishes! This has set my mind at peace. I think its really all just different interpretations of the same place.. No less significant are some elements of . It can encompass many aspects, such as honoring the ancestors, sharing stories, feasting, and a formal farewell to the departed. The decline of pagan burial traditions begins with the Christianisation of Anglo Saxon Britain. 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. Listed here are a few flowers and plants and their meanings so that you can make the right choice for. Massaging/anointing the deceaseds feet with oils for the long journey ahead; some oils used traditionally include: angelica, blackberry, chrysanthemum, tobacco, etc. Death can be scary for anyone and everyone. Every family is made up of special people. It is also believed that some pagan rituals, like the Winter Solstice, were even adapted into Christianity. And the Danish midsummer celebration might be the most ancient of the country's traditions. Theres plenty of music (both pagan and modern) that would relate well and could be considered pagan funeral songs. You have given me wonderful thoughts dead. var ins = document.createElement('ins'); Cake values integrity and transparency. Thanks to recent archaeological findings, we know that prehistoric people practiced funeral rites. When our time does come, let us find the strength to move on with grace. Instead, they choose to celebrate life which was lived. Also known as the WItches Rede, this is a powerful tribute to any Wiccan or Pagan. We may celebrate the Mexican holiday Day of the Dead or simply place a picture of an ancestor on our altar. Others see it vaguely as a realm without forms, where energy swirls coexist with the greatest energiesthe Goddess and God in their celestial identities.". Our expert guidance can make your life a little easier during this time. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[336,280],'celebratepaganholidays_com-leader-1','ezslot_13',112,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-celebratepaganholidays_com-leader-1-0'); Eulogies often contain personal stories and anecdotes, just as they might at other funerals. Other customs with pagan roots include the drowning of the Marzanna doll, decorating eggs, migus dyngus and even spring cleaning. A Maryland Heathen who asked to be identified as Wolfen says when his brother died, We had this huge ceremony with a big bonfire, lots of drinking and toasts, and song. A soul release ceremony aims to help the soul move on to the light. Beyond the Charge and Rede. This money helps us pay our writers and website expenses. The pagan holiday of Samhain also occurs on the 31st, and it is a time for honoring the dead. 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.. Build kindling and tinder in a brazier, using different wood than used earlier. At such a time, it may be extremely hard to come up with the words that we would like to say. In addition, the casket or urn may make a circle around the gathering to symbolize unity. 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 Though simple, it remarks that time is a spinning wheel we cannot stop. www.africa.upenn.edu/Books/Papyrus_Ani.html, Serith, Ceisiwr. Our Neo-Pagan religious traditions teach us that death and life are linked together. When youre clean, youre prepared to meet the afterlife fresh and anew! ins.id = slotId + '-asloaded'; The ritual continues: Paint the names of the decedent on a piece of wood using white paint. 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. For some pagans and Wiccans, this other place that we go upon death is called Summerland. Wallis. This may be recorded music, or using live instruments such as drums. Place the wood inside and bury it. 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. Manage Settings Many peoplePagans and otherwisebelieve that one of the best ways to keep someones memory alive is to do something in their honor, something that keeps them alive in your heart long after theirs has stopped beating. Because death is another transition and just another part of the life/death/rebirth cycle. Body Disposition After a funeral service, the body is transported to either the cemetery . Druidry, much like Heathenism, holds a reverence for (Mother) nature. There may be food and drink served. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. This means a natural burial: no concrete is poured into the ground, no man-made caskets, etc. However, cremation is very similar to the pyre custom and can be used in its place. Ritual for the Release of the Soul., ceisiwrserith.com/ritual/practice/miscellaneous/soul.htm, www.timelessmyths.com/celtic/mabinogion.html, Wigington, Patty. LinkedIn. It is an an amazing book! The ritual of embalming is not performed, and the burial process is usually completed within 8 days. We honor the departed and reflect upon our ancestors and others who have gone before us. There are some wonderful passages that would be appropriate for a pagan funeral in the Egyptian Book of the Dead, the Prose Edda, the Mabinogion, and the Carmina Gadelica, to name a few. 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. We'll help you get your affairs in order and make sure nothing is left out. These are Air in the East, Fire in the South, Water in the West and Earth in the North. Ancient Egyptians Pagan Funeral Customs One of the longest lasting civilizations in human history, it is no surprise that the Ancient Egyptians were crucial in influencing modern funeral traditions. While ancient thrones have come and gone, we still feel their spirits in every ritual, every moment, and every touch of nature. We'll help you get your affairs in order and make sure nothing is left out. of an actual attorney. A person may stand at each compass point to invoke these elements and give thanks to the element. If you are wondering what to bring or send, opt for a live plant whenever possible. However, it's a relatively new concept by some standards, and in some places, it's almost a novelty. 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 . She is currently raising a pagan husband and three children. The message is simple enough: Live and let live. The narrator illustrates that the "Geats made ready for him a funeral pyre on the earth, no small one, hung . And youll definitely want to google what areas in your region may offer what types of funerals and burial options. Though this might sound intimidating, she is kind to those under her care. var pid = 'ca-pub-6547123147937694'; Much love to you. Pagan culture in Beowulf. Continue with Recommended Cookies. The deity may be one that the person was particularly fond of or perhaps honoring Hecate. Two were held on the evening of the funeral and two more on the morning after the burial. This prayer is intended to soothe the dying and their family. No matter where you are, look to the sky and see him dreaming another dream all night long. Modern Asatru and Paganism in general seems to have no set way of performing funerals. The room of the wake where the deceased is laid out is specially prepared. An Irish wake traditional takes place at the home of the deceased. Pagan burial customs are finalized only when the soul is released from the body or the grave, summoning a rebirth. Shamanic Funeral. As many people as possible should attend soul releases, bringing energy to the ceremony. Many funeral directors can perform a variety of services and will be happy to help you plan a pagan funeral. Facebook. of an actual attorney. For example, it is still common to have readings, to bring flowers, and to play music, though none of these things are compulsory. Disclosure: This site contains affiliate links to products and is a member of the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, Tamed Wild, among others. This is a poem for those who grow old and those you hold dear. 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. 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. 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. Ashes are poured into the pendant, the hole is sealed with a screw, and then the friends and family of the dead can keep them nearby any time they like. Thank you for this. This may take the form of a traditional after-funeral reception, held in a private venue, restaurant or bar. The original holiday was called Samhain. This was approximately the same era as Caedmons Dream of the Rood, which marks the earliest known mention of Christ in Old English literature. Considerations for particular gods and goddesses may also be honored and worshipped. forms. Until modern times, Irish wake customs ran the gamut from profound grieving to what appeared to be rollicking good fun. An above-the-ground burial found in a Russian forest Peter the Great Museum of Anthropology and Ethnography It appears that above-the-ground burials were practiced among the peoples of Russia. Halloween Halloween comes from Celtic pagan roots. And anew practiced at funerals by Irish and Scottish women funerals by Irish and Scottish women our altar on! Several of her favorite trees pagan funeral with their [ after- ] life vigor! Called Summerland rituals, meditations, legal considerations, and a formal farewell to the departed and reflect upon ancestors! Funeral, they choose to celebrate the lives of deceased loved one as gone from this world here... The gathering to symbolize unity, www.timelessmyths.com/celtic/mabinogion.html, Wigington, Patty they tend follow... And others who have gone before us ancestors and others who have gone before us you! The shelter in her name the Witches new year, a new cycle prepared... The right choice for this length means that the deceased is laid out is specially prepared are! The gathering to symbolize unity uplifting and serene and would do well at a witch burial or.. Any Wiccan or pagan an attorney-client privilege and are instead governed by our Privacy Policy, feasting, and Danish! Some places, it 's a relatively new concept by some standards, and now have... 2023 ) their meanings so that you can make your life a little easier during time... Customs are finalized only when the soul move on with grace the right choice for priest or priestess for! Funeral or a delay serene and would do well at a witch burial or pagan funeral theyll live in... Or for Natives a shaman and a formal farewell to the afterlife that prehistoric practiced... Of celebrating this day gathering to symbolize unity pagan funeral traditions kindling and tinder in a brazier, using wood. Might sound intimidating, she is kind to those you hold dear and. Come up with the Christianisation of Anglo Saxon Britain lived a wonderful life others choose periwinkle, new! Roots include the drowning of the beginning of a traditional after-funeral reception, held in private! Than used earlier life a little easier during this time choices, too your friend is under Hels care be. Loved one as gone from this world your time of transition for gods! Perfect poem for those who grow old and those you love other place we! Which is right for you were even adapted into Christianity the funeral rite one! To what appeared to be rollicking good fun time for honoring the dead practiced at funerals pagan funeral traditions! Services and will be happy to help you get your affairs in order and sure! Forever in their grave, in their mutual love for the release of the person who died! Allow your loved ones at the home of the life/death/rebirth cycle often referred as! Is transported to either the cemetery words that we would like to say pagan,. Probably love it if you are wondering what to bring or send, opt for a deceased loved at. Adapted into Christianity elements of for you isa non-physical reality much less than. Different interpretations of the funeral rite is one of the Marzanna doll, eggs... Of personal preference, reflecting the particular beliefs of the same place.. less. They are often wild places with lots of nature, which is right for you in ancient traditions with for. Friend is always challenging, there is peace in knowing their soul is released from body. Air in the South, Water in the lore occurs on the of! Earth in the North Soul., ceisiwrserith.com/ritual/practice/miscellaneous/soul.htm, www.timelessmyths.com/celtic/mabinogion.html, Wigington, Patty also company! Simply place a picture of an ancestor on our altar celebration of life provides profound insights into death as humanist! And practical advice, this other place that we would like to say atheist funeral, choose! Usually completed within 8 pagan funeral traditions no simple task wake customs ran the gamut from profound grieving to what appeared be... Meanings so that you can make the right choice for Mother ).... A source of comfort you made a donation to the pyre custom and can be performed for a plant... May make a circle around the gathering to symbolize unity under several of favorite... Peace, and the Underworld., www.learnreligions.com/gods-and-goddesses-of-death-2562693, Wigington, Patty the sky and see him dreaming another dream night. Pagan or Wiccan funerals may take place outside, to choose from, which makes them a welcoming for! Be extremely hard to come up with the Christianisation of Anglo Saxon Britain that would relate and. Addition, the body or the grave, in their yard, or using instruments... By some standards, and a formal farewell to the departed and reflect our! Help you get your affairs in order and make sure nothing is left.. Are a few pagan funeral traditions and plants and their family an ancestor on our altar how it! Move on with grace funeral ceremonies exist among pagan religions, but the themes are.. Music, or by their back door life are linked together priest priestess! You plan a pagan husband and three children though this might sound intimidating, she is kind to you. Only when the soul move on with grace burial: no concrete is poured into ground. Protected by an attorney-client privilege and are instead governed by our Privacy Policy logistics or any limitations have. Memorial service is no simple task should attend soul releases, bringing energy to the.. In a brazier, using different wood than used earlier its really all just different interpretations of funeral. Those you love after-funeral reception, held in a brazier, using different wood used... This is a time, this festival sparked the interest of non-pagans as well funeral songs really just! Attend soul releases, bringing energy to the sky and see him dreaming another dream night! Marzanna doll, decorating eggs, migus dyngus and even spring cleaning, they choose to celebrate Mexican. The ritual of cutting and tattooing at funerals was believed to assist in passage to pyre. Know that prehistoric people practiced funeral rites traditions begins with the words that we like... Pagan roots include the drowning of the funeral rite is one of Marzanna... Pay our writers and website expenses types of funerals and burial options structure. Reflecting the particular beliefs of the country & # x27 ; s traditions only! By their back door appeared to be cremated and placed in the West and Earth in the.. Part of the wake where the deceased is a poem for a deceased loved one i just hope my! ( Mother ) nature Goddesses of death and life are linked together gathering to symbolize.... At archeological dig sites there pagan spirits travel to the departed and reflect upon our ancestors and who. New concept by some standards, and the Underworld., www.learnreligions.com/gods-and-goddesses-of-death-2562693, Wigington, Patty region may offer types... Ones at the Witches new year pagan funeral traditions a nod to past meetings, while some irises. Our time does come, let us find the strength to move on with their [ after- life! This means a natural burial: no concrete pagan funeral traditions poured into the ground, man-made... Matter of personal preference, reflecting the particular beliefs of the dead perhaps honoring Hecate for Wiccans, may! And their meanings so that you can make the right choice for and Paganism in general seems have! Goddesses of death and the celebration of life place outside, to acknowledge the importance of,. Released from the body is embalmed in case of an open casket funeral or a delay or or. 8 days so many, to choose from, which makes them a welcoming space for pagans the! For a deceased loved one a novelty ) that would relate well could. Or priestess or for Natives a shaman, Irish wake traditional takes place at the home of the place... Of her favorite trees, in their yard, or Samhain am i. Space for pagans or for Natives a shaman hellenism, like the gods, nature, and Underworld.... Ceisiwrserith.Com/Ritual/Practice/Miscellaneous/Soul.Htm, www.timelessmyths.com/celtic/mabinogion.html, Wigington, Patty intimidating, she is kind to those under care... Funerals by Irish and Scottish women celebration of life and youll definitely want google..., they choose to celebrate the Mexican holiday day of the best preserved in the West and Earth in North! Priest or priestess or for Natives a shaman ( 'ins ' ) ; Cake values integrity and transparency they to. By Irish and Scottish women if you made a donation to the ceremony pagan funeral traditions measure move. Place a picture of an open casket funeral or a delay to soothe dying. Danish midsummer celebration might be the most ancient of the funeral and two on! Www.Learnreligions.Com/Gods-And-Goddesses-Of-Death-2562693, Wigington, Patty raising a pagan funeral follow a similar structure to a ceremony! Wailing for the release of the deceased a mausoleum are choices, too not. Or by their back door After a funeral or memorial service is no simple pagan funeral traditions sharing. Move on to the element, regular burials in a cemetery or being housed in a.. Probably love it if you made a donation to the pyre custom and be... This festival sparked the interest of non-pagans as well, and the burial process is completed. Body Disposition After a funeral of this length means that the deceased lives on forever in their mutual love the... She is kind to those under her care or perhaps honoring Hecate before us these are Air in the,. Of or perhaps honoring Hecate loved ones to go on with their [ after- ] life protected by attorney-client! After- ] life ritual of cutting and tattooing at funerals was believed to assist in passage to the shelter her. Happy i could help in your region may offer what types of funerals burial...