In recent years, there has been a noticeable shift in how people choose to commemorate the lives of their loved ones. As society becomes more diverse and individuals embrace a range of belief systems, the number of ways in which families choose to honor a loved one’s unique life have also become increasingly diverse. One example is that holding a non-religious memorial service has gained popularity. A non-religious memorial service offers a thoughtful and personalized way to celebrate a person’s life without including religious traditions. In this blog post, we’ll explore the reasons behind the increasing preference for holding a non-religious memorial service, what it entails, who opts for them, considerations when planning, and some inspiring examples.
Why the Rise in Holding a Non-Religious Memorial Service?
In decades past, many funeral customs were defined by the religious or spiritual beliefs of the individual who had passed. While religious customs are still an important part of a funeral service for many people, there are an increasing number of individuals in the U.S. who say they do not formally belong to a specific faith tradition or religious institution. As society becomes more secular, many people see the non-religious memorial service as an option that better aligns with their values and worldview. A non-religious memorial service can provide family and friends with an environment for expressing grief and celebrating life in a way that reflects the individuality and uniqueness of the person being remembered.
Understanding The Non-Religious Memorial Service
A non-religious memorial service is a ceremony or gathering that focuses on honoring and remembering an individual without incorporating religious rituals or traditions. For those who do not practice within a specific or spiritual community, a non-religious memorial service can provide the family an avenue to maintain a sense of ritual around end-of-life, create a space for community and healing, and celebrate the life, achievements, values, and impact of the loved one’s life.
Do I Have to Choose Between an Entirely Religious or Entirely Non-Religious Memorial Service?
When planning a loved one’s memorial, it is not necessary to choose between an entirely religious or entirely non-religious memorial service. Each individual has their own unique personal, cultural, and spiritual identity, and relates to those elements of their life in their own unique way. Depending on what feels right to an individual and their family, it is possible to plan a religious memorial service, a non-religious memorial-service, or a memorial service that is a blend of secular and spiritual elements.
Those who identify as secular, atheist, agnostic, or simply non-religious may opt for a non-religious memorial service. Multi-faith or mixed-faith families, with members from different religious backgrounds, may choose a service that contains elements of multiple faiths and/or secular elements. Individuals who are planning a non-religious memorial service or a religious memorial service with secular elements may draw inspiration from philosophy, art, nature, literature, career pursuits, and other sources.
Considerations When Planning a Non-Religious Memorial Service
Planning a non-religious memorial service often involves involves thoughtful reflection and careful consideration of various elements to create a meaningful and respectful ceremony. Here are some considerations that you may find helpful:
- Reflect on the Individual: Consider the personality, values, and passions of the person being remembered. Tailor the ceremony to reflect their life and the impact they had on others.
- Choose a Meaningful Venue: Select a venue that holds significance for the individual or the family. It could be a favorite park, a community center, or even the family home.
- Create a Personalized Program: Develop a program that includes elements such as speeches, readings, music, and rituals that resonate with the individual’s life. Encourage family and friends to contribute by sharing memories or performing meaningful acts.
- Incorporate Symbolic Gestures: A non-religious memorial service can include symbolic gestures like candle lighting or planting a tree. These actions can add a meaningful touch to the service.
- Include Multimedia Presentations: Create a multimedia presentation featuring photos, videos, and music that capture the essence of the person’s life. This can be a powerful way to evoke memories and emotions.
Examples of the Non-Religious Memorial Service Concept
Lighten has helped hundreds of families plan modern funerals, memorials, and life celebrations that honor a loved one’s unique personal, cultural, and spiritual identities. The services we have supported range from formal to informal, small to large, and from religious to non-religious memorial service s. Here are just a handful of examples of Lighten celebrations to inspire you:
- The Mountaintop Celebration: Chuck G.’s mantra was “go with the adventure.” His pursuits reflected that – they included a career with the Air Force, as well hobbies that spanned hiking, running, golfing, gardening, cooking, piano, traveling, & mixology. Chuck’s wife wanted to hold his celebration in the mountains, where Chuck most loved to spend his time. Guests gathered to witness Chuck’s formal military honors, hear reflections from loved ones, & share refreshments while exchanging memories & listening to Chuck’s favorite music.
- The Art Gallery Memorial: Michael N. was a scholar and artist. His proudest accomplishments included dedicating his career to creating educational computer programs for children & being a three-time Jeopardy winner. In his free time, he channeled his creativity into oil painting; writing screenplays, novels, and poetry; & playing the violin. Michael’s wife decided to hold his celebration in an art gallery, where his artwork hung on the walls. Guests shared memories of Michael while sipping his favorite wines and listening to his favorite classical pieces.
- The Theater Tribute: Rathin D. was a renowned chemical engineer who contributed significantly to advancements in renewable energy, and a music aficionado involved in the South Asian Classical Music scene. Rathin’s wife chose to hold his celebration at a theatre, where, family, friends, and colleagues paid tribute to his life and accomplishments. Rathin’s favorite classical pieces were performed by a string quartet and by a bansuri, a wooden flute traditional to India.
- The Barn-Style Picnic: This is an example of a celebration that contained both religious and secular elements in honor of the loved one’s life. Johnny G. was a veteran with deep devotion to his faith, family, and country. His daughters chose a barn setting, BBQ cuisine, gingham tablecloths, and red, white, and blue flowers to evoke the casual, picnic-style gatherings that Johnny loved. The ceremony to honor Johnny’s life included his minister leading prayer, a rendering of honors from the U.S. Air Force, and personal reflections from Johnny’s family, friends, and fellow service members.
For those who do not identify as religious, a non-religious memorial service can be a meaningful ritual to celebrate a life, comfort loved ones, and honor the unique identity of the person who has passed away. Planning a non-religious memorial service often involves thoughtful consideration of the individual’s life, values, and identity. By embracing inclusivity and personalization, these ceremonies can provide an opportunity to celebrate a life well-lived in a way that resonates with the beliefs and values of the person who has passed.
To see more inspiring examples of Lighten celebrations of life, visit our “Stories” page. And if you are looking for assistance with planning a unique celebration of life, feel free to explore our “Unique Memorials” packages or contact our team. We pride ourselves on making the planning process as easy as possible for you and on creating a unique celebration that honors a loved one’s unique personal, cultural, and spiritual identity.
