What happens at humanist funerals?

Answer 1

In some ways a Humanist funeral is similar to a typical Anglo/Christian funeral. However, it is wholly devoid of any reference to G-d, faith, prayer, allusion to a new life ahead, redemption, or reincarnation. In other words, when you're gone, you're gone!

What does happen at the service is that poems may be read, which address the pain of loss, the memory of the deceased, or the joy of a friendship shared. There are no hymns, no Biblical readings of any sort, no crucifix, and no committal of the coffin...(ie., Ashes to Ashes, Dust to Dust, etc.).

Sometimes, friends or family may stand up to share memories of the deceased. The word eulogy, or eulogise is not technically appropriate as the root of the word eulogise means to 'bless' someone. Instead, the word 'Encomium' would be more appropriate - the celebration of or praise of an individual.

Finally, in most humanist funerals, the cremains of the deceased are disbursed or strewn, thus not leaving a grave or marker for visitation, prayer or reflection.

In the funeral industry, among some employees, a Humanist funeral has been described as a 'why bother' funeral. That was not meant as disrespect, but moe an acknowledgement that there is no collective sharing of hope or faith in the faith of, or hope in a new life to come.

Answer 2

i dont know i think they all jump off a cliff with a parachute and then they go swimming in a swimming pool filled with sharks :)