Now you can focus on leaving a legacy instead of a mess. As pagans, we view death as part of the cycle of life/death/rebirth. Read more about pagan death beliefs and the pagan afterlife here. If you are wondering what to bring or send, opt for a live plant whenever possible. Then floated out to sea and lit afire. Regardless if times are bright or bleak, we must savor the time we have. Some Pagan and Wiccan funerals may be more informal than a traditional Christian service and the wake may reflect this. Most funeral directors offer services for all religions and beliefs, including Pagan or Wiccan funerals. A Ukrainian funeral (Credit: s-nbcnews.com) Brainstorm with your funeral director or event planner to help you figure out the logistics or any limitations. A great way to memorialize them is to do something for that cause that meant so much to them. Place a small cairn of stones over the place you buried the wood. These are steeped in ancient traditions with reverence for the gods, nature, and the celebration of life. A time will come when we have to bid our loved ones goodbye. 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. There may be food and drink served. For example, if the person was Wiccan, search for an ordained high priest or priestess to officiate. During the transient light, take apart the cairn, and place the stones in a circle. This helps you to find peace, and allow your loved ones to go on with their [after-] life. If the person loved the ocean, hold the service at the beach. If you enjoy Egyptian witchcraft, or are an Egyptian witch a must read is the Egyptian book of the dead or the book of coming forth into light. forms. For Wiccans, this may be a priest or priestess or for Natives a shaman. This could be on rivers, in gardens, up mountains, or in particularly well-loved walking spots. While cremation is purportedly a Christian death custom, our ancient pagan ancestors from certain countries burned their dead. But again, this is all up to you or your loved one. Hellenists believe that they possess an eternal soul, which allows for an eternal afterlife whether through reincarnation or by sharing a table inside the halls and realm of the gods. Though this might sound intimidating, she is kind to those under her care. 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. The many pagan religions are no exception, so consider doing some more research if youre attending a pagan funeral soon. Planning a funeral is hard for any family who is also dealing with their loss. 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. 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. Ive always did a ritual of my own for every animal ive ever had to bury. Patti Wigington is a pagan author, educator, and licensed clergy. Also known as the WItches Rede, this is a powerful tribute to any Wiccan or Pagan. The room of the wake where the deceased is laid out is specially prepared. A good funeral director will guide you and help you plan the funeral you desire to have. Then, add the painted wood atop the cord after the leather is alight. In the Pagan belief system, time is often imagined like a wheel. About Patheos Pagan Channel. 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. This is a poem for those who grow old and those you hold dear. [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. 3 March 1994. Set this up before dawnyou'll need to wake up early. "Pagans, Death and the Afterlife." With kind permission of Damh the Bard "Down in the Garden" http://www.paganmusic.co.uk/ Join today and help make a difference. Much like Egyptian burials of people with means and status, ship burials . Throughout time, people fade in and out of history. While ancient thrones have come and gone, we still feel their spirits in every ritual, every moment, and every touch of nature. 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. Im here to tell you, witch and pagan funerals are a real thing. Paint the names of the decedent on a piece of wood using white paint. There were numerous ways of celebrating this day. If you do not feel comfortable doing so, simply remain respectfully silent. 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. Imbolc is a pagan holiday celebrated from February 1 through sundown February 2. . There may be times during the service when the congregation is asked to join in by speaking a prayer. Many Pagans understand that their beliefs are not as widely known or understood as the major religions. Pagan burial customs are finalized only when the soul is released from the body or the grave, summoning a rebirth. The decline of pagan burial traditions begins with the Christianisation of Anglo Saxon Britain. Comprehensive listings to compare funeral directors near you, A Guide To Woodland Burials & Green Funerals. Funerals are a sad but immovable fact of life, and most of us have different ways of processing grief, loss, and the ceremonies which accompany these. Easter is the day of the resurrection of Christ. So today my family will have a small funeral for him and I am taking into account some of the ideas from this post! Bear in mind that Pagan funeral services may be slightly more relaxed. Even with the pejorative labels, judgment and fear attached Paganism has persisted. Slowly over time, this festival sparked the interest of non-pagans as well, and now we have Halloween as we know it today. This link will open in a new window. Rooted in the ancient agrarian lifestyles, pagans around the globe hold great reverence for the powers of nature, women, and many deities. Goodbye doesnt mean youll never see them again. We dont have to be buried and commemorated by a Christian pastor or priest, if we dont want to. Another stands to the South, carrying a candle or some incense to represent Fire. Your partner was the crown of your company, and this is an honor youll hold no matter what. Others see it vaguely as a realm without forms, where energy swirls coexist with the greatest energiesthe Goddess and God in their celestial identities.". Youve given me ideas for music and places he loves. Protective flowers and resins will be hung around the necks of the decedent's loved ones. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Stories November 20, 2022. Easter. The fees for the advice of an attorney should not be compared to the fees of do-it-yourself online In Norse tradition, they may say they believe we go to Valhalla, Folkvangr, or Helheim upon death. 1. Although we may struggle with loss, we find peace in the turning of the wheel of life. The priestess is a member of the honoree's group, known as a circle, or if the group is Wiccan, a coven. Death can be scary for anyone and everyone. Here, Druidry becomes even more distinct. And the Danish midsummer celebration might be the most ancient of the country's traditions. 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. We may celebrate the Mexican holiday Day of the Dead or simply place a picture of an ancestor on our altar. LinkedIn. During the funeral ceremony ask psychopomps to guide the deceased to the afterlife. This may be recorded music, or using live instruments such as drums. May his soul find peace and a nurturing travel to the otherworld. Flowers and Their Meaning., www.learnreligions.com/flowers-and-their-meanings-2561644. Thank-you for the information, I am doing my own Funeral. The ritual continues: If you have not attended a pagan funeral before, you'll discover a lot of ancient rites and rituals. . Hellenism, like the aforementioned pagan spiritualities, is also polytheistic. Wallis. Although they may worship many different gods, you will usually hear them refer to the Goddess, a female deity that features in most Pagan ceremonies. Jewelry: A popular trend during the Victorian era was to wear jewelry in the deceaseds honor. It is usually a matter of personal preference, reflecting the particular beliefs of the person who has died. These pagan funeral poems honor the life of a beloved friend. Funeral homes are uncommon in the Ukraine, so Ukrainian traditions reflect the commonality of people dying at home. The mission continued on through most of the 7th Century and into the 8th Century. We also may earn commission from purchases made through affiliate links. The traditional Pagan blessing is an ode to togetherness and remembrance. The difference is that Shamanism is isolationist and tribal, while Wiccan beings share some beliefs with the spiritually minded. These are powerful ways to say goodbye to someone you love while remembering that they live on through your memories. 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). Its just a temporary separation. Pagan burial customs are finalized only when the soul is released from the body or the grave, summoning a rebirth. Their memory is always alive, and their legacy never leaves you. It's also considered to be a time when the boundary between our world and the next is at its weakest. For many, religion brings comfort, and the pagan way of handling death is often beautiful, harmonious, and full of celebration as well as sorrow. Martin's pretty creative, but he nicked just about . By clicking "Accept", you agree to our website's cookie use as described in our Cookie Policy. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'celebratepaganholidays_com-large-mobile-banner-2','ezslot_9',108,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-celebratepaganholidays_com-large-mobile-banner-2-0');Many pagans choose to spread ashes in wild spaces, in keeping with their connection to nature. Considerations for particular gods and goddesses may also be honored and worshipped. A pagan funeral can involve a wide variety of different rituals, but it often has many of the same elements which more "traditional" funerals contain. Wiccan Death Rituals. Garlands of flowers and resins can be made into necklaces to protect and bless the deceaseds loved ones hang around their necks during the funeral rites, Flowers and food offerings should be left at the gravesite to aid the deceased in his/her journey to the afterlife, Florence and the Machine: Never Let Me Go, Loreena McKennitt: The Dark Night of the Soul, Florence and the Machine: Jenny Oldstones. I just hope that my family will respect my wishes! 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. The Mycenaeans' funeral and burial rites would include many solemn traditions. The wood should be nearest to the size of their palm or foot. Upon death, pagan spirits travel to the afterlife. Wiccans will continue to celebrate the lives of deceased loved ones at the Witches New Year, or Samhain. With so many, to choose from, which is right for you? Both are dogmatic. 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 states allow for people to be buried on there land. Choosing the perfect poem for a funeral or memorial service is no simple task. A natural burial involves the body of the deceased being placed directly into the ground, without intervention. For many modern Pagans, there is a somewhat different philosophy on death and dying than what is seen in the non-Pagan community. 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 The poems below honor the life of a family member. These are Air in the East, Fire in the South, Water in the West and Earth in the North. Overcoming these feelings of grief takes a village, but you can find your own healing and peace through poetry. For example, most Celtic music is enchanting, uplifting and serene and would do well at a witch burial or pagan funeral. Though losing a friend is always challenging, there is peace in knowing their soul is at rest. For the Celtic tradition, the Celtic Otherworld, Faery Realm or Tir Na Nog. Or cremation if theyve chosen to have their ashes scattered in nature instead. Why? The creatures, deities, or spirits responsible for guiding the dead to the afterlife will be called upon to fulfill their duty. Its something thats always turning, and it never reaches its end. Many Pagans also celebrate the Celtic Fire . if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[336,280],'celebratepaganholidays_com-medrectangle-4','ezslot_2',104,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-celebratepaganholidays_com-medrectangle-4-0');Calling on spirit guides such as Iris, Thoth, Berchta or animal guides such as the snake and birds. The Afterlife As pagans, we have a firm sense of devotion to our ancestors and the family members who have passed on in our lifetime. If you are wondering what to bring or send, opt for a live plant whenever possible. A soul release ceremony aims to help the soul move on to the light. 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 original holiday was called Samhain. https://www.learnreligions.com/pagan-views-of-the-afterlife-2561443 (accessed March 2, 2023). 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