Pagan Funeral?

Question

Can someone tell me about a Pagan or Wiccan funeral? What happens at the funeral? Thanks, just curious (I only know about Handfastings) :)

Answer 1

Pagan Beliefs about death - Pagans believe that physical death is not the end of life. The dead become unborn, and enter into a state where they may find temporary rest, after which healing and renewing energy for rebirth into a new life occur.

Funeral practices - Believers in the pagan goddess traditions wash the dead body with a mixture consisting of spring water, a few drops of ocean water (or water from another special place), scented oil, and the herb rosemary for purity and protection. While washing, a special blessing is usually said. Then, the body is smudged (or censed) with an appropriate incense for the cleansing. Finally, the body is wrapped or dress in simple cloth or clothing.

Mourning rituals - Pagans hold funerals and memorial services, during which, special prayers are said to help guide the dead to healing in their afterlife journey to rebirth. Rituals include offerings to nature and the ancestors, invoking spirits, music, chanting, sharing stories and more.

Answer 2

Unlike most religions, paganism doesn't really have a script or a ritual for death. Every pagan funeral would be different, although I would assume that you would hear lots of talk about returning to the earth.

Answer 3

Pagan departing ceremonies vary, and Pagans tend to have a very different idea about life and death from the "norm". You can find scripts for some Pagan departing rituals here http://www.sacredhearth.com/Spirituality/Ritual/departing.html
but remember, they are quite variable.
The Pagan Book of Living and Dying has additional rituals, and not at all coincidentally, there is also a link to it from that page.

Answer 4

I don't think you would find that very many Wiccans worry about death as I believe that life is unending -I would like a party or celebration!-not someone pretending to care after I am no longer here in my body!-and all that stupid crying!