When attending a pagan funeral, it is important to consider what to wear in order to honor the occasion and show respect for the beliefs and customs of the deceased and their loved ones. Pagan funerals are often deeply connected to nature, spirituality, and the cycles of life and death. Therefore, the attire should reflect these themes while also adhering to general funeral etiquette. First and foremost, it is important to remember that each pagan funeral may have its own unique customs or traditions, so it is always a good idea to consult with the family or the funeral organizers to inquire about any specific dress codes or guidelines. In general, pagan funerals tend to be more relaxed and informal compared to traditional religious funerals. While traditional dark-colored clothing is still appropriate, it is also acceptable to incorporate earthy or natural tones into your attire.
The funeral director will also be able to help you find a Pagan celebrant who has experience leading Pagan funeral services.
Therefore, it is common for them to take the time to explain what is happening and what is expected during the funeral, for the benefit of those in attendance who may not be Pagan. Typically, a pagan prayer or rite may include calling on the four elements with appropriate representations at each respective cardinal point North, South, East and West.
While traditional dark-colored clothing is still appropriate, it is also acceptable to incorporate earthy or natural tones into your attire. Earthy colors such as greens, browns, and muted shades of red and yellow can be worn to symbolize the connection with the natural world and the cycle of life and death. Natural fabrics like cotton, linen, or wool are often preferred, as they are more environmentally friendly and align with pagan values of sustainability and connection to nature.
Organizing a Memorial Service for a Pagan Family Member
The loss of a loved one can be exceptionally challenging to bear. But one way to honour their memory is to organize a funeral memorial service that is aligned with their spiritual beliefs.
If your loved one considered themselves a pagan, you can host a beautiful memorial service that celebrates nature and the wonders of the Earth.
At Perth Cremations , we can help you organize a memorial service according to your bespoke needs and requirements. Feel free to speak to us today to discuss your options.
What is paganism?
Paganism is a branch of spirituality that does not pertain to any specific religion. Instead, practitioners of paganism consider Mother Nature and the elements to be a form of divinity and focus on nature worship.
If your loved one considered themselves a pagan, you can give them a loving Pagan funeral memorial service that is aligned with pagan natural practices.
Tips to organize a pagan memorial service for your loved one
Different branches of paganism – such as Shamanism, Druidry, Wicca etc. – have different ceremonies prescribed for funerals. But one commonality between them all is the celebration of nature. When you’re planning a memorial service for a Pagan family member, consider doing the following:
1. Have wreaths made of local indigenous flowers and plants
Pagan practitioners celebrate the bounty of the land they live on. Having funeral wreaths made of local, indigenous flora is a great way to celebrate the beliefs of your loved one. You can check the symbolism of different local flowers online to infuse specific significance into the memorial service. For example, Irises for honour and respect.
2. Bring small statues of their matron/patron deities to the memorial service
Some pagans do worship deities – either Christian deities or gods & goddesses from another culture. If your loved one had a matron or patron deity, you can honour their beliefs by bringing the statues of the deity to the service and placing them next to the burial site. You can even keep these statutes on the burial site for a few more months.
3. Read poems on nature instead of religious verses
Poems on nature are one of the best offerings you can give to a Pagan loved one during their memorial service. Poems such as “ Rain Light ” by W.S. Merwin, “ Nothing Gold Can Stay ” by Robert Frost, “ I Thank You God for Most This Amazing ” by E.E. Cummings and “ The Grasses ” by Rumi are a few choices you can consider.
4. Encircle the burial site with candles
Many spiritual practitioners use candles in their practice. Candles represent the steadiness and brightness of the soul, and they represent divine light. A beautiful way to showcase your love for your family member is to light white candles around the burial site. White represents the purity of intention and renewal.
5. Light incense, sage and myrrh
Incense, sage and myrrh are herbs that are believed to have the power to remove negative energies. They infuse the air with positivity and power. Additionally, many Pagan rituals use incense as an offering to the divine. Lighting incense, sage and myrrh during the memorial service can be a wonderful way to help your loved one’s spirit connect with their matron/patron deity.
6. Place your local, seasonal fruits and vegetables as offerings on their gravesite
Just as with local flowers, indigenous and seasonal vegetables and fruits can make wonderful burial site offerings. This is a way to celebrate your loved one’s spiritual beliefs and also give back to the local community.
7. Consider burying them with their sacred altar tools or books
If your loved one had any sacred spiritual tools and/or books, you can consider burying them with them. While not all pagans use altar tools, some may use crystals, deity statutes, divination decks, chalice, spiritual books, etc.
At Perth Cremations , we understand the importance of honouring your loved one’s spiritual beliefs and wishes. We will help you organize a funeral memorial service that helps you celebrate their memory in the most beautiful, loving and authentic way possible. Contact us to speak to one of our memorial service directors today.
It is not unusual for Pagans to throw a party following a funeral service, much in the way of an Irish wake. Do not be alarmed if attitudes are more merry than mournful. Food would usually be served after the funeral, and it is polite to bring along a dish as these are usually potluck-style occasions.
Comfortable and practical clothing that allows for movement and flexibility is also recommended, especially if the funeral service involves outdoor activities or rituals. Additionally, incorporating natural elements or accessories that have personal significance can also be a meaningful way to honor the deceased and their beliefs. For example, wearing a piece of jewelry or clothing adorned with crystals, feathers, or symbols representing the elements (earth, air, fire, water) or pagan deities can add a personal touch and demonstrate respect for the pagan faith. It is essential to remember that pagan funerals embrace diversity and inclusivity. Therefore, cultural symbols or attire from various pagan traditions can also be incorporated, as long as they are worn with sensitivity and respect for the beliefs and practices of the deceased and their community. Overall, when deciding what to wear to honor a pagan funeral, it is important to strike a balance between expressing individuality, respecting the customs and values of the pagan community, and adhering to general funeral etiquette. By choosing attire that incorporates natural tones, materials, and personal symbols, one can show respect and honor for the deceased while also participating in the spiritual and emotional journey of the funeral celebration..
Reviews for "Preserving Ancestral Customs: Traditional Pagan Funeral Clothing"
1. Jane - 2 stars: I was really excited to read "What to wear to honor a pagan funeral" as I have a deep interest in different cultural traditions. However, I found this book to be lacking in substance. The author briefly mentioned the significance of clothing at pagan funerals but failed to provide any meaningful insights or practical advice. The entire book felt rushed, with a lack of depth and research. I would not recommend this book to anyone seeking genuine guidance on how to respect and honor pagan funeral customs.
2. Mike - 1 star: I was extremely disappointed with "What to wear to honor a pagan funeral". It seemed like the author was trying to capitalize on the popularity of pagan culture without actually understanding it. The book was filled with vague generalizations and lacked any real depth. The clothing suggestions were unoriginal and uninspiring, leaving me feeling like I wasted my time and money. If you're looking for authentic information about pagan funeral customs and appropriate attire, I suggest you look elsewhere.
3. Sarah - 2 stars: As someone who has attended pagan funerals and is familiar with the customs, I was excited to see a book dedicated to the topic. Unfortunately, "What to wear to honor a pagan funeral" fell short of my expectations. The author's understanding of pagan funeral traditions seemed superficial, resulting in a lack of depth and insight in the book. The suggested attire was generic and did not capture the essence of pagan funeral celebrations. Overall, I was left feeling unimpressed and would not recommend this book to others seeking meaningful information on this topic.