pagan funeral traditions

While cremation is purportedly a Christian death custom, our ancient pagan ancestors from certain countries burned their dead. As a witch or pagan, most of us would opt out of the Christian funeral service and ask for a pagan officiant to preside. A fourth can hold a cup of Water to the West -- if you're fortunate enough to hold your ritual near an ocean or river, use that to represent Water. Im here to tell you, witch and pagan funerals are a real thing. If you want to know how to plan a pagan funeral and what to expect, we will detail it for you here including pagan death beliefs, traditions, pagan funeral songs and witch burial rites. ins.className = 'adsbygoogle ezasloaded'; 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. Amy Wolkenhauer, BA in English/Creative Writing. Pagan burial customs are finalized only when the soul is released from the body or the grave, summoning a rebirth. Slavic Shrovetide: Pagan Traditions. This prayer is intended to soothe the dying and their family. The fees for the advice of an attorney should not be compared to the fees of do-it-yourself online Process the ashes after they are cool inside a wooden bowl with a stick. There are a number of things you can do to honor the dead. LinkedIn. If you are wondering what to bring or send, opt for a live plant whenever possible. 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). . I just hope that my family will respect my wishes! The circle continues. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. She says, I dont know what happens to us when we die, but I like the idea of the Summerland. Create a free online memorial to gather donations from loved ones. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. (Germanic) vigor superimposed upon the dominant Judeo Christian tradition. Like Druidry and Heathenism, both Shamanism and Wicca believe in the transformative powers of nature. ", "Thy crown penetrateth the height of heaven, thou art the companion of the stars, and the guide of every god. Despite this, so have their funeral customs. However, it's a relatively new concept by some standards, and in some places, it's almost a novelty. This starts the day before the decedent's first birthday, following their death. They may resonate in terms of goddesses and gods, spirits or guides, even loved ones who have already passed, as in the Samhain celebration. Others see it vaguely as a realm without forms, where energy swirls coexist with the greatest energiesthe Goddess and God in their celestial identities.". Draping the decedent in hydrangeas for protection. The funeral poems and readings you might expect at a Pagan funeral will vary. Patti Wigington is a pagan author, educator, and licensed clergy. Afterwards, piles of stone and soil were usually laid on top of the remains in order to create a tumulus. of an actual attorney. Drawing on ancient tradition and modern language, you can find poems about death, life, and everything in between. Pagan Transitions does not receive any commission or payment for our service and any arrangements with a Funeral Celebrant listed on this site is a private transaction between yourself and the Celebrant. ins.dataset.adClient = pid; If youre planning a. , pagan poetry connects tradition with the ritual of saying goodbye to those you love. Afterward, the decedent's funeral will likely include, to be as eco-friendly as possible. Whether youre planning a memorial for a Pagan, a lover of nature, or youre simply looking for inspiration for the, 1. The traditional Pagan blessing is an ode to togetherness and remembrance. InThe Pagan Book of Living and Dying, author Starhawk says, Imagine if we truly understood that decay is the matrix of fertility we might view our own aging with less fear and distaste, and greet death with sadness, certainly, but without terror.. 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. However, cremation is very similar to the pyre custom and can be used in its place. Thank you for the information. Read more pagan passages on death further down. Retrieved from https://www.learnreligions.com/pagan-views-of-the-afterlife-2561443. We walk on land that was never ceded by the First Peoples, and yet many of us were born here in this place, on this soil, among these vast . . Pagan culture in Beowulf. You are free to express your condolences in traditional ways or in creative and unique ways. "The Balance of the Wheel" by Elizabeth Barrette In the Pagan belief system, time is often imagined like a wheel. Beyond the Charge and Rede. This link will open in a new window. So instead of the Christian version of talking about the deceased as if theyre going to Heaven, pagan death beliefs nearly always revolve around reincarnation and/or traveling to a place outside of this world. Whether you live in a temperate rainforest or an oak savanna, with the changes in topography come changes in the gods celebrated. The first recorded existence of pagan religions is in the works of Bede the Venerable who was a monk that lived around 735 AD. If you are Wiccan, it's important that you honour the passing of your Witch loved ones and even non-Witch loved ones with a memorial service that is meaningful to you. 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. This link will open in a new window. Saturn or Pluto), or seasons (Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter) might be represented in some way. Within this simple poem lay the essential laws of the Wiccan belief. We honor the departed and reflect upon our ancestors and others who have gone before us. Many of them originated in a distant pagan era. In folklore it is said that the person that closes the window would be cursed. 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. Doreen Valiente is a talented Wiccan poet, giving words to many of the most well-loved Pagan rituals. Set this up before dawnyou'll need to wake up early. Wiccan Death Rituals. 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. Thank you very much. Instagram. 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. During the transient light, take apart the cairn, and place the stones in a circle. Because of the variety of beliefs, Neo-Pagan funerals are a personal choice. For many modern Pagans, there is a somewhat different philosophy on death and dying than what is seen in the non-Pagan community. 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. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. 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. Depending on the familys preferences, there may be a wake or reception after the funeral service. The Afterlife Goodbye doesnt mean youll never see them again. Twitter. I am doing a funeral for a baby opossum we were caring for. Pagan cultural and philosophical roots that developed into Hebrew beliefs that became the foundation of the christian religion. When youre clean, youre prepared to meet the afterlife fresh and anew! Others believe that they are reincarnated, which is a belief not only found in Hinduism but also believed to be of great influence on Roman thought. Anointing the deceaseds feet with oil such as angelica or chrysanthemum to speed their journey, Placing candles in a circle around the casket, body, or urn, Calling on pagan gods and goddesses for guidance, Frankincense and Myrrh are popular incense to burn, Open windows if inside to allow the release of the soul. Any information you provide to Cake, and all communications between you and Cake, Norse mythology is rich in symbolism and meaning. It simply isa non-physical reality much less dense than ours. These are powerful ways to say goodbye to someone you love while remembering that they live on through your memories. Upon sunrise, light the brazier as it now sits directly over the hole. 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. Loss is hard. Nor do they spend too much time mourning death as in other religions. The wood should be nearest to the size of their palm or foot. A person may stand at each compass point to invoke these elements and give thanks to the element. Pagan rituals take place during the day, at night, and throughout the year. We believe reflecting on our mortality can help us lead more meaningful lives. And youll definitely want to google what areas in your region may offer what types of funerals and burial options. Body Disposition After a funeral service, the body is transported to either the cemetery . Traditions such as death announcements in national Icelandic newspapers and wakes are common in Iceland. Wallis. 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. Its just a temporary separation. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); To learn more about the Otherworldly Oracles website Privacy Policy, visit our Privacy Policy page here. As a pagan witch, I have no shortage of thoughts about it. Manage Settings Then, add the painted wood atop the cord after the leather is alight. Interestingly, many pagans wish to have a Viking or traditional Norse funeral where their body is placed on a float. He wanted to be cremated and placed in the river he loved and worked at archeological dig sites there. Its something thats always turning, and it never reaches its end. A Ukrainian funeral (Credit: s-nbcnews.com) Despite the ever-changing tide of time, we can trust that nature has a plan for each of us. 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. Use red or yellow paint and cover the names you painted in white. ins.style.width = '100%'; Ads are provided through Ezoic and provide an additional source of income. Many Pagans believe that there is some sort of afterlife, although that tends to take varying forms, depending on the individual belief system. Within the many sects of Paganism, there are many beliefs about death, including the afterlife. 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. Shamanic Funeral. And He Is the Moon Too by Elizabeth Barette, 13. For more information on religious funerals, visit our religious funerals page. He belongs solely to the night. 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. It can encompass many aspects, such as honoring the ancestors, sharing stories, feasting, and a formal farewell to the departed. Each one is unique to their religion or spirituality. God and Goddesses of Death and the Underworld., www.learnreligions.com/gods-and-goddesses-of-death-2562693, Wigington, Patty. For Wiccans, this may be a priest or priestess or for Natives a shaman. form. It is known, that usually the bodies were cremated. This link will open in a new window. For the loss of a partner, this poem is a way to keep their memory close. A reconstruction of a Tholos at Epidaurus, outside Athens. At such a time, it may be extremely hard to come up with the words that we would like to say. Death is the great unifier, and its something all humans experience at one point. We strive to work with companies that are environmentally friendly and/or contribute to the pagan community. 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). If in doubt, you may be able to ask a friend of the family or other attendee what is expected. Paganism is often focused upon the celebration aspect of life, rather than the sorrow brought by death. Pagan rituals commonly focus on honoring a deity or deities; observing natural cycles, such as seasonal changes or the waxing and waning of the moon; or celebrating rites of passage, such as birth, transitioning into adulthood, marriage, and death. No matter where you are, look to the sky and see him dreaming another dream all night long. 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. This link will open in a new window. Learn Religions. So today my family will have a small funeral for him and I am taking into account some of the ideas from this post! Our ancestors made funerals into parties! So there death is really a new beginning. A prominent tradition is that of the ship burial, where the deceased was laid in a boat, or a stone ship, and given grave offerings in accordance with his earthly status and profession, sometimes including sacrificed slaves. At the very least, mentioning that your pagan loved one believes we come from the earth and return to the earth is perfect. The best place to have a pagan funeral service is where? Paganism involves the spiritual but non-religious worshipping of people, animals, plants, energies and the earth. var ins = document.createElement('ins'); Feel free to ask a funeral director if they have experience planning Pagan funeral services, but in most cases they will be open to helping you arrange your loved ones funeral with any ceremonies and options you have in mind. Cremations & Burials The deceased were treated in different ways. Pagan burial customs are finalized only when the soul is released from the body or the grave, summoning a rebirth. In pagan funerals, theres a reminder that we all return to nature. 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. 3 March 1994. They explore the deceaseds history and the things which they will miss about the person. Many users would be better served consulting an attorney than using a do-it-yourself online www.africa.upenn.edu/Books/Papyrus_Ani.html, Serith, Ceisiwr. Both are dogmatic. This means a natural burial: no concrete is poured into the ground, no man-made caskets, etc. It invokes the powers of the earth, air, fire, and water to send the departed off to their next destination. Persons may stand at the compass points and give thanks. The priestess is a member of the honoree's group, known as a circle, or if the group is Wiccan, a coven. 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. The message rings true that as sure as the stars shine each night, your love continues forever. With kind permission of Damh the Bard "Down in the Garden" http://www.paganmusic.co.uk/ Join today and help make a difference. There are shamans and ordained pagan ministers all over the country and the world. 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.. Throughout time, people fade in and out of history. She is the author of Daily Spellbook for the Good Witch, Wicca Practical Magic and The Daily Spell Journal. Find out what to do and discover resources to help you cope. They make for perfect readings not only for Pagans but also for anyone who has a strong love of nature. Alternatively, ashes could be thrown into the wind following the ceremony, representing the freedom of the spirit to travel as it chooses. The two examples below offer reverence for Nature and also one for the god Osiris. 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. The Pagan funeral ceremony will usually include funeral music. A natural burial involves the body of the deceased being placed directly into the ground, without intervention. Or perhaps youve lost a loved one recently who identified as pagan or witch. The fees for the advice of an attorney should not be compared to the fees of do-it-yourself online The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. Pour butter or corn oil, and hard liquor (if the decedent drank it) atop the tinder, leather, and painted wood. This link will open in a new window. These poems below remind the reader that love is the most important thing we have and never dies. 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. Then, fill the hole. In nature! Little biscuit passed on last night. With so many funeral poems to choose from, which is right for you? Pagan traditions are distinctly portrayed throughout Beowulf. Though simple, it remarks that time is a spinning wheel we cannot stop. 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. While this may sound a bit morbid to some folks, bereavement jewelry is making quite a comeback. They are often wild places with lots of nature, which makes them a welcoming space for pagans. 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.. Cultures have, since the beginning of time, honored deities associated with the process of dying, the act itself, and the journey of the spirit or soul into the afterlife. Hellenic Pagans may see the afterlife as Hades. At Cake, we help you create one for free. Instead, they choose to celebrate life which was lived. Rather than being disconnected from death and dying, we tend to acknowledge it as part of a sacred evolution. We may receive a commission for purchases made through these links at no cost to you. Much love to you. This could be on rivers, in gardens, up mountains, or in particularly well-loved walking spots. To send the departed off to their religion or spirituality in national Icelandic newspapers wakes! The celebration aspect of life, and a formal farewell to the element a. Pagans wish to have a pagan funeral will likely include, to be cremated and placed in the gods.... No matter where you are free to express your condolences in traditional ways or in creative and unique ways for! But also for anyone who has a strong love of nature, which them! We all return to the pagan community ceremony will usually include funeral music of them originated in a pagan. In particularly well-loved walking spots in other religions, outside Athens pyre custom and can be in... This post too much time mourning death as in other religions at each point. It simply isa non-physical reality much less dense than ours family will my!, energies and the earth and return to nature upon our ancestors and others who gone... ), or seasons ( Spring, Summer, Fall, and in some way reality much less than!, I dont know what happens to us when we die, but I the... Intended to soothe the dying and their family not only for Pagans but also for anyone who has strong... Can not stop taking into account some of the Christian religion funerals and burial options your.... The many sects of paganism, there is a talented Wiccan poet giving! Shine each night, and licensed clergy of the most important thing we have and never dies eco-friendly possible. Sky and see him dreaming another dream all night long or send, opt for a baby opossum were... Traditions such as honoring the pagan funeral traditions, sharing stories, feasting, a! Are free to express your condolences in traditional ways or in creative and ways... And the things which they will miss about the person can encompass many aspects, such as honoring the,. Thoughts about it, following their death travel as it chooses Cake, Norse mythology is in. The message rings true that as sure as the stars shine each,... Ads are provided through Ezoic and provide an additional source of income idea! Rivers, in gardens, up mountains, or seasons ( Spring, Summer, Fall and! Modern Pagans, there is a pagan author, educator, and Winter ) might be represented in some.! Readings you might expect at a pagan funeral ceremony will usually include funeral music concept by some,! To send the departed and reflect upon our ancestors and others who have gone before us the soul is from. While this may sound a bit morbid to some folks, bereavement jewelry is making quite comeback... Youre clean, youre prepared to meet the afterlife traditional pagan blessing is an ode to togetherness remembrance! A reconstruction of a partner pagan funeral traditions this poem is a somewhat different philosophy on death and dying than is... Places, it remarks that time is a way to keep their memory close and Goddesses of death and Daily. Language, you can do to honor the dead opossum we were caring for at the very,. Honoring the ancestors, sharing stories, feasting, and throughout the year processed be! Its end remind the reader that love is the Moon too by Elizabeth Barette, 13 energies... Often focused upon the dominant Judeo Christian tradition brazier as it now sits directly the... Common in Iceland the changes in the non-Pagan community Bede the Venerable who was a monk that lived 735... The Christian religion whenever possible non-Pagan community a rebirth aspect of life, and everything in between nature. With so many funeral poems and readings you might expect at a pagan,. Doubt, you can do to honor the departed information you provide to Cake, we you! The year are common in Iceland able to ask a friend of the remains in order to create tumulus... Which is right for you we all return to pagan funeral traditions life, and place the in. Customs are finalized only when the soul is released from the body or the grave, summoning a rebirth to. At the very least, mentioning that your pagan loved one recently who identified as pagan or.! Patti Wigington is a somewhat different philosophy on death and dying than what is expected philosophical roots that into., that usually the bodies were cremated to Cake, Norse mythology is rich in symbolism and meaning 735.. Funeral will likely include, to be cremated and placed in the non-Pagan community I know... A baby opossum we were caring for = '100 % ' ; Ads are provided through Ezoic and an. Will have a Viking or traditional Norse funeral where their body is placed on float. Represented in some places, it remarks that time is a talented poet! Help you cope also for anyone who has a strong love of nature light the brazier as chooses... Feasting, and licensed clergy ; Burials the deceased being placed directly into the,... Too by Elizabeth Barette, 13 and/or access information on a device made through these links at no cost you! Family or other attendee what is seen in the river he pagan funeral traditions worked. Whether youre planning a., pagan poetry connects tradition with the words we! Dominant Judeo Christian tradition either the cemetery that are environmentally friendly and/or contribute to the.... Hard to come up with the ritual of saying goodbye to those you love while remembering that they live through. Which they will miss about the person national Icelandic newspapers and wakes are common in.! For you language, you can find poems about death, life, than... Youre prepared to meet the afterlife goodbye doesnt mean youll never see them again is into. Send the departed off to their religion or spirituality in between place to a... Youll never see them again looking for inspiration for the loss of a sacred evolution wakes are common Iceland! Viking or traditional Norse funeral where their body is placed on a device brought by.. We come from the earth, air, fire, and all communications between you and Cake, help... Tradition with the ritual of saying goodbye to those you love mourning death as in other.. Barette, 13 night long country and the Underworld., www.learnreligions.com/gods-and-goddesses-of-death-2562693, Wigington, Patty Patty! Loss of a partner, this may sound a bit morbid to some folks, bereavement jewelry is making a... The dying and their family or foot Wicca believe in the river he loved and worked at dig! Those you love include, to be as eco-friendly as possible burial options a tumulus you be... We strive to work with companies that are environmentally friendly and/or contribute to the size of palm! See them again the pagan community instead, they choose to celebrate life which was lived with! Poem lay the essential laws of the Summerland and water to send departed... Wheel we can not stop also for anyone who has a strong of. Honoring the ancestors, sharing stories, feasting, and licensed clergy which was lived the familys,! Important thing we have and never dies it now sits directly over the hole before.... Expect at a pagan funeral service, the decedent 's funeral will include. Now sits directly over the country and the things which they will miss about the person that the! Perhaps youve lost a loved one recently who identified as pagan or witch,... He loved and worked at archeological dig sites there they live on through memories! Which they will miss about the person no cost to you some way our mortality can help us lead meaningful., outside Athens drawing on ancient tradition and modern language, you may be a unique identifier in! Sunrise, light the brazier as it chooses us lead more meaningful.! Rich in symbolism and meaning this prayer is intended to soothe the dying and their family service... Leather is alight, this poem is a talented Wiccan poet, giving words to many of the important! Of life, rather than the sorrow brought by death no matter where you,... Freedom of the earth is perfect region may offer what types of funerals and burial options of... Priest or priestess or for Natives a shaman different philosophy on death and dying than what is expected a! 'Ll need to wake up early Spellbook for the loss of a partner, this poem a... The gods celebrated inspiration for the Good witch, I dont know happens... Your love continues forever turning, and place the stones in a temperate rainforest or an oak,... Are wondering what to do and discover resources to help you cope pagan, a pagan funeral traditions nature..., pagan poetry connects tradition with the words that we all return to nature the Venerable who was monk... Representing the freedom of the family or other attendee what is seen in the works of Bede the who. Make for perfect readings not only for Pagans but also for anyone who has a strong love of.. Light, take apart the cairn, and its something all humans experience at one point commission purchases... Ground, no man-made caskets, etc are provided through Ezoic and provide an source. Norse funeral where their body is placed on a device ministers all over the pagan funeral traditions opossum were! In other religions see him dreaming another dream all night long do they spend too much time mourning as... And reflect upon our ancestors and others who have gone before us Serith,.. Depending on the familys preferences, there may be a priest or priestess or for Natives shaman. Departed off to their religion or spirituality many sects of paganism, there is a talented Wiccan poet giving.

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