Theoretical Research - Pagan tradition

Modern Paganism, sometimes called Neopaganism, is an umbrella term for a wide variety of spiritual beliefs, including people identifying as Wiccans, Druids and Shamans, to name but a few. 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.

Pagan View on Life and Death

Within the many sects of Paganism, there are many beliefs about death, including the afterlife. Yet, life and death are eternally woven together, no matter the belief.

Unlike Christianity, Heathens believe in a great hall (or halls) where people go after they die. They don't believe in reincarnation or anything close to Christianity's view of heaven. Nor do they spend too much time mourning death as in other religions. Instead, they choose to celebrate life which was lived.

Pagan Funeral Ceremony Protocol

Various interpretations of funeral ceremonies exist among pagan religions, but the themes are similar. You'll discover ordained pagan priests or shamans all over the world that can be called upon to perform the funeral rites and service.

Many funeral services will be held outside, but considerations will be made for inclement weather and decorations. When the officiant conducts the service, you can be sure that the ceremony will revolve around both nature and the environment to represent the cycle of life. Additionally, astrological signs, Zodiac elements (earth, air, fire, and water), ruling planets (i.e. Saturn or Pluto), or seasons (Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter) might be represented in some way. Considerations for particular gods and goddesses may also be honored and worshipped.

Pagan Funeral Tradition

Because the word ‘Pagan’ can encompass many different beliefs, it is hard to define a set of traditions that are always observed at a Pagan funeral. It is usually a matter of personal preference, reflecting the particular beliefs of the person who has died.

Decisions such as whether to view the person who has died, organ and tissue donation, and whether to have a funeral wake can vary from funeral to funeral.

Both burial and cremation are generally accepted by those with Pagan beliefs, although they are more likely to choose natural burial, in accordance with their respect for nature.

Reflective Thinking

Whether people believe in a mainstream religion or not, they should respect the rights of others to freely worship. It is the right of the deceased or his relatives to choose the way of the funeral, whether it is a mourning or a happy one.

It's also from pagans that children see death in a different way from adults, and there are many children who are not very impressed with death, or even with the death of a loved one. Is the memory of death as important to them? Does it make sense?