Keeping your loved one's memory alive
A guest post by Humanist CeremoniesTM
The funeral of Barbara Fogg conducted by humanist celebrant Simon Bull. © Richard Hackett
As you’re reading this post, it's likely you're looking for a lasting memorial to pay tribute to a loved one. Perhaps you’re like us; you believe that you only get one life and the best way to live on after death is through the memories of people who knew us.
What do humanists believe?
Humanists are non-religious people who try to lead good lives based on empathy and compassion. A humanist doesn't believe in any gods or afterlife. We look to science, rather than religion, to understand the universe.
Humanists believe that human welfare and happiness is of paramount importance and we believe that people can, and do, live moral and ethical lives without religion. If you’re more of a visual learner, here’s a short video of Stephen Fry explaining humanism.
A humanist funeral
You may have been to a humanist funeral. They’re sometimes called 'celebrations of life'.
Humanist funerals are inclusive and well suited to anyone who wants a non-religious event.
The tribute at a humanist funeral focuses on the life of the person who’s died, their achievements, and the relationships they had. The ceremony can also include poems, readings, and music.
A humanist funeral is both celebration of life and a way to say a personal goodbye. Here’s a short video explaining what happens at a humanist funeral.
Funeral and memorial ceremonies
A humanist ceremony can take place as part of a funeral or a memorial. There’s no coffin at a memorial ceremony, but families sometimes choose to have the ashes present.
The ashes
After a cremation, there are many options as to what should happen to the ashes. Some people keep them in an urn, some families may divide and share them, while others may scatter them while planting a tree. You can also choose to have ashes incorporated into jewellery as a keepsake.
Keeping memories alive
Another way of keeping your loved one's memory alive is to have their tribute added to the Humanist Funeral Tribute Archive. Anyone who has a funeral or memorial conducted by a Humanist Ceremonies celebrant can be added to the online archive. It's a free service and an ideal way to keep your loved one's memory alive for your children and your children's children.
More information
To find out more about Humanist Ceremonies, visit humanistceremonies.org.uk. If you'd like to discuss a funeral, you can find a celebrant near you via our online map.