Planning a funeral is one of life’s most challenging moments, often undertaken in the midst of shock, grief, and uncertainty. When arranging a farewell for someone who lived without religion, or whose views were best described as humanist, a humanist funeral offers a deeply personal, meaningful, and authentically non-religious choice.
This guide provides comprehensive information about humanist funerals, memorials, or celebrations of life to help you understand what they involve and decide if this is the right option for honouring the person who has died. Humanist funerals provide a fitting way to say goodbye, focusing entirely on the life they led, the relationships they forged, and the legacy they left behind, celebrated in a unique ceremony crafted just for them.
What is a Humanist Funeral?
At its core, a humanist funeral is a personal non-religious ceremony that celebrates the life of the person who has died. It serves as both a dignified farewell and a heartfelt commemoration of a unique individual. Key characteristics of a humanist funeral include:
- Non-Religious: the ceremony is not an act of worship. The celebrant who leads the ceremony is not religious themself, and the Farewell – what might be called the Committal in a Christian ceremony – recognises that the person’s life is over, but they continue to exist in the atoms and energy all around us, in the imprint they have left on others, and the legacy they leave in their family and friends. , Personalised: every humanist funeral is unique, crafted around the specific person it honours. The content reflects their personality, passions, beliefs, and life story.
- Celebrant-Led: trained and accredited Humanist Ceremonies celebrants work closely with the family to write and conduct the ceremony, ensuring it is a fitting and meaningful tribute.
- Life-Focused: the ceremony centres on the life lived, celebrating achievements, acknowledging challenges, sharing memories, and reflecting on the impact the person had on others.
- Inclusive: humanist funerals welcome everyone, regardless of their own beliefs, providing a shared space for remembrance and support. The celebrant will create a moment of reflection, or quiet prayer for anyone who would like it. Sometimes, for cultural or traditional reasons, a family member might request a favourite hymn or text, and the Humanist Ceremonies celebrant can frame this within the ceremony.
The Role of the Eulogy
The eulogy is often at the heart of a humanist funeral. It’s a speech given in commemoration of the person’s life – a tribute that tells their story. It can be delivered by the celebrant, drawn from information gathered from friends and family, or someone close to the person who has died may choose to deliver it themselves, or contribute shorter stories or memories The eulogy typically includes significant life events, anecdotes that show their personality and humour, reflections on their character and traits , and an overview of their life and relationships. It’s a chance to paint a picture of the person, celebrating the unique individual that they have been.
Poems and Readings
Humanist funerals often incorporate non-religious readings, poems, or quotes that held meaning for the person who died or that resonate with the occasion. These can be sentimental, emotional, uplifting, or even humorous, chosen carefully to reflect the individual and add another layer of personalisation to the ceremony. Celebrants can help source suitable readings and can even incorporate pieces with some religious concepts if they were particularly significant to the person being remembered, provided the overall ceremony remains non-religious.
Music Choices
Music plays an important role in setting the tone. Any music meaningful to the person or the family can be included, from classical pieces to contemporary songs, reflecting their tastes and passions. Sometimes live music can be incorporated, performed by professional musicians, or family members or friends.
Finding a Humanist Ceremonies Celebrant
Planning a humanist funeral begins with finding a trusted celebrant. The Humanist Ceremonies network has trained celebrants across England, Wales, Northern Ireland, and the Channel Islands. They meet with the family to learn about the person who died, listen to stories, understand what made them unique, and then craft a bespoke ceremony script. They guide the family through the process, share ideas for music and readings, liaise with funeral directors, and conduct the ceremony on the day with warmth and professionalism.
Important Considerations
- Non-Religious: the ceremony will be non-religious, reflecting humanist values while being inclusive to all guests.
- Focus on the Individual: the ceremony will focus on the person who has died, including elements which reflect them.
- Language: expect warm, welcoming, and inclusive language (e.g., “friends and family”).
- Collaboration: the process is collaborative between the family and the celebrant, the celebrant will meet with those planning the funeral and find out about the life of the person who has died.
Learning More
If a humanist funeral feels like the right way to honour someone, here are your next steps:
- Find a Celebrant: Use the Humanist Ceremonies celebrant map to find an accredited celebrant near you:
- Learn More: For a deeper understanding, visit our Humanist Funerals page: https://humanists.uk/ceremonies/funerals/home/ or read our blog post “What is a humanist funeral?”: https://humanists.uk/ceremonies/funerals/blog/what-is-a-humanist-funeral/
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