Choosing readings for a funeral is a way to add depth, emotion, and personalisation to the ceremony. When planning a humanist funeral, memorial, or celebration of life, non-religious (secular) readings can add greatly to the ceremony and reflect the life, values, and personality of the person who has died.
Unlike religious services that draw on scripture, humanist funeral readings are selected from a vast array of sources – poetry, literature, philosophy, personal writings, even song lyrics – chosen specifically because they resonate with the individual being remembered and the friends and family gathered. This guide helps you understand the types of readings suitable for a humanist funeral and offers guidance on how to choose them thoughtfully.
What Makes a Reading ‘Humanist’?
It’s less about the reading being explicitly about humanism and more about it aligning with a human-centred perspective. Suitable humanist funeral readings typically:
- Not religious: they do not rely on religious beliefs, deities, or concepts of an afterlife .
- Focus on Human Experience or the Natural World: they explore themes like love, loss, memory, nature, connection, courage, the value of life, and human relationships.
- Reflect the Individual: the best readings feel authentic to the person – perhaps echoing their interests, passions, sense of humour, or outlook on life.
- Offer Comfort or Reflection: they provide solace, prompt thought, or evoke shared memories in a way that feels meaningful within a non-religious framework.
What is a Humanist Funeral?
To understand the context for the readings, it helps to know what a humanist funeral is. It’s a non-religious ceremony, led by a trained humanist celebrant, that celebrates the life of the person who has died. It’s entirely personalised, focusing on their unique story, achievements, character, and the legacy they leave behind. The absence of religious structure allows for great freedom in choosing elements like readings, music, and tributes that are genuinely fitting to the individual.
Sources for Humanist Funeral Readings
The possibilities are broad. Consider readings drawn from:
- Poetry: both classic and contemporary poets who write about life, love, loss, nature, and the human condition (e.g., Mary Oliver, Philip Larkin, Maya Angelou, Dylan Thomas – chosen carefully for secular themes).
- Literature: extracts from novels or essays that capture a relevant sentiment or philosophical idea.
- Philosophy: quotes or passages from philosophers (ancient or modern) reflecting on life, ethics, or meaning.
- Personal Writings: sometimes a piece written by the person themselves, or a meaningful letter or email, can be incredibly powerful.
- Song Lyrics: the words of a favourite song can hold special meaning.
- Science & Nature Writing: pieces that reflect awe and wonder at the natural world or the universe, if relevant to the person. Quotes from Sir David Attenborough or Sir Isaac Newton may contribute to the reading.
How to Choose Appropriate Readings
- Think About the Person: what did they love? What did they read? What were their values? What tone feels right for them (reflective, uplifting, poignant, humorous)?
- Consider the Audience: choose readings with language and themes that are likely to resonate with the friends and family gathered.
- Consult with the Celebrant: Humanist Ceremonies celebrants are experts in sourcing suitable non-religious readings. They often have a wide selection and can guide you based on what you tell them about the person. They ensure the readings fit cohesively within the ceremony they craft.
- Read Aloud: check how the reading sounds and flows. Ensure it’s not too long or complex for the setting.
Integrating Readings into the Ceremony
Readings can be placed strategically throughout the service – perhaps one near the beginning, one linked to the eulogy or a period of reflection, and maybe one towards the end. They can be read by the celebrant, family members, or friends.
Finding a Humanist Ceremonies Celebrant
A humanist celebrant is your partner in creating the entire ceremony. They will discuss readings with you as part of the planning process, helping you find pieces that contribute to a truly personal and meaningful farewell.
Important Considerations
- Meaning: Choose readings because they mean something, not just to fill a space.
- Variety: Consider a mix of tones or themes if appropriate.
To explore secular readings and plan a Humanist funeral:
- Explore Reading Ideas: Visit our blog for inspiration, including posts on specific themes:
- “Poems of love for a humanist funeral”: https://humanists.uk/ceremonies/funerals/blog/poems-of-love-for-a-humanist-funeral/
- “Uplifting and humorous poems for a humanist funeral”: https://humanists.uk/ceremonies/funerals/blog/uplifting-and-humorous-poems-for-a-humanist-funeral/
- Find a Celebrant: Connect with an accredited Humanist celebrant who can help you curate readings for a unique ceremony: https://humanists.uk/ceremonies/find-a-celebrant/
- Learn More About Humanist Funerals: Understand the philosophy and practice behind these personal, non-religious ceremonies: https://humanists.uk/ceremonies/funerals/home/
Additional Resources
Why choose a Humanist Ceremonies celebrant?
You can trust a Humanist Ceremonies celebrant. We’ve been delivering humanist, non-religious funerals for more than 125 years, and are committed to delivering the very best service to the families we work with:
- Gold star training and ongoing CPD
- Code of conduct
- Annually accredited by respected national charity Humanists UK
- DBS checked, and full insured (public liability and professional indemnity)
- Transparent complaints process, in the rare cases it’s needed
- Work as part of local, regional and national networks for support, sharing best practice, and emergency back-up
- Pay a monthly fee to Humanists UK to further its work towards equality and tolerance
