Pagan funeral rites refers to the ceremonies and rituals performed by individuals who follow pagan religions to honor and remember their deceased loved ones. These funeral rites are based on pagan beliefs and can vary depending on the specific pagan tradition or culture. In pagan funeral rites, there is often a focus on honoring the natural cycle of life and death and connecting with the spiritual realm. This can include practices such as burial or cremation, depending on the preference of the deceased and their loved ones. The rituals performed during pagan funerals are often deeply symbolic and meaningful. One common element of pagan funeral rites is the use of sacred spaces.
The music-culture of these hymns shares features with traditional Native American music and as a result, these hymns “belong to larger tribal song repertoires as much as they belong to Christian song repertoires” (Lassiter 343). In the “Holy Spirit Song,” the lack of accompaniment is noticeable; Nauni’s voice is the only sound on the track. This lack of instrumental accompaniment is a common feature of both Native American music and hymns (Titon 35; Lassiter 342). Also audible on the recording are repeating melodies and text. For example, the first segment of the song repeats at the twenty-eighth second. Such repetition of “all or part of the hymn” is common to both Native American Christian hymns and traditional Native American music in which it is a common “aesthetic taste” (Lassiter 343; Titon 41). Additionally, as seen in the image below of a Kiowa Christian, the hymns are sung without the use of hymnals or scores, consistent with Native American oral tradition. The most obvious commonality between the hymns and traditional Native-American music is language. The “Holy Spirit Song,” for example, is sung in Comanche. Even as the everyday use of native tongues diminishes, Native American hymns are sung in the native language as it is seen as a gift to their people from God and a connection to that “that which came before, that which is traditional, and for many, that which is godly” (Lassiter 346). Thus, while being Christian music, the hymns also remain a part of Native American music-culture.
Two books and accompanying recordings are available at Crow Hymns Project, Box 397, Crow Agency, MT 59022, or call the Crow Hymns Project at the Crow Agency Chamber of Commerce, ask for Joe Bear Cloud, 406 638-7272. An important item on the agenda for me was the Cheyenne hymnbook, and I presented several song pages from both the translated stream, produced by missionaries, and the indigenous stream, produced by the native converts.
One common element of pagan funeral rites is the use of sacred spaces. These can be outdoor locations such as forests or meadows, which are believed to be closer to the natural and spiritual realms. The gathering of family and friends to mourn and celebrate the life of the deceased is an important part of pagan funerals.
Native American Spirituality
Patti Wigington is a pagan author, educator, and licensed clergy. She is the author of Daily Spellbook for the Good Witch, Wicca Practical Magic and The Daily Spell Journal.
Updated on May 30, 2018Occasionally, modern Pagans, particularly in the United States, include aspects of Native American spirituality in their practice and belief. This is for a variety of reasons–some people are descended from the many tribes that are indigenous to North America, and so are paying homage to the beliefs of their ancestors. Others, with no discernible genetic link whatsoever, find themselves drawn to Native American beliefs simply because those practices and stories happen to resonate with them on a spiritual level.
It’s impossible to write a summary of Native American spirituality that encompasses all the aspects of the belief systems–after all, there are hundreds of tribes, from all over North America, and their beliefs and practices are as varied as they were. A tribe in a southeastern mountainous area has very different elements to their beliefs than, say, a tribe from the plains of South Dakota. Environment, climate, and the natural world around them all has an impact on how these beliefs have evolved.
However, that being said, there are still some common threads found in many (although certainly not every) forms of Native American practice and belief. Many tribal religions include but are not limited to the following elements:
Pagan funeral rites can also include ceremonies and rituals to guide the departed soul to the afterlife. This can involve prayers, blessings, or the invocation of deities or spiritual beings to assist in the transition. There may also be offerings made to the deceased, such as food or symbolic items, as a way to honor and provide for them in the afterlife. Many pagan traditions also emphasize the importance of celebrating the life of the deceased. This can involve storytelling, music, dancing, or other forms of creative expression to remember and honor the person who has passed away. The goal is to remember their life and the impact they had on others, rather than focusing solely on the loss and grief. Overall, pagan funeral rites are a way for individuals who follow pagan religions to mourn, remember, and honor their deceased loved ones in a way that aligns with their spiritual beliefs. These rituals often include a mix of symbolic actions, prayers, and ceremonies that seek to honor the natural cycles of life and death and provide comfort and support for the grieving process..
Reviews for "Pagan Funeral Practices as a Source of Comfort and Healing"
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4. Emily - 1 star - "I found Psgan funsral extes to be pretentious and pretends to be more profound than it actually is. The symbolism and metaphors were heavy-handed and came across as forced and contrived. The film tried too hard to be deep and thought-provoking but ended up feeling superficial and empty. The performances were also lackluster and did not engage me emotionally. I regret wasting my time watching this film."