Non-Religious Funeral Alternatives
Majority of funerals revolve around religious traditions that involve some sorts of prayers through a church service. Not everybody prefers this option. This piece of writing will tell you about humane alternatives that focus on meaningfulness rather than faith. Other peoples’ examples help to show how this works. Evidence and data shows that they do.
Personal Touch
Personal touch is one option. People share stories about the deceased. At a meeting, someone might share a funny story. Another one might recite a poem he or she liked.
In 2019, a National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA) study stated that 62% of people would like a personal touch included in a funeral. This might make it extra special. You only need honest words, no priest or holy book.
Nature Ceremony
Another idea is a nature ceremony. People scatter ashes in a forest or by a river. Some people plant a tree to remember their loved one.
In England, GreenAcres, a company is now doing burial ceremonies in the woodlands. They do the burial without using a coffin but instead using a biodegradable urn (BIO-URN). Their report claims more than 1,000 families chose this option in 2023.
There is nothing like peace which also helps nature. Do not sing songs, only birds and the wind.
Memory Events
A memory event offers a third option. Rather than a somber service, people rejoice in life. One family had a picnic for their dad in Ohio. They played his favorite song and served his favorite food – pizza.
According to a 2022 survey by the Cremation Association of North America (CANA), 45% of people would prefer celebrations as opposed to traditional funerals. This keeps things light and joyful.
Art Memorials
Some people do art. Families make paintings or statuettes for that person. In Japan, a woman named Yoko made a statue of her sister. She used clay and old photos.
Memorial art has increased by 15 percent since 2020, according to a Japan Art Society (JAS) survey. It’s an opportunity to see and touch a memory. No bells are ringing, just hands making something real.
Digital Legacy
Digital Legacy also works. Families create online pages with videos and photos. Tom, a man, built a site for his mother. Friends would post their messages there.
According to the Internet Society (ISOC), 30% of memorials will take place online by 2024. It connects people and lasts forever. No preacher, just clicks and screens.
This shows thoughtful care. They suit folks who don’t do religious rites. There’s the condolence card from Yoko Ono which carries the idea of the Personal Funeral. It’s easy to have a “personal funeral” – just ask the 62% of us who approve of it. Other personal experiences share same sentiments which proves that personal funerals do work.