The Difference Between Celebration of Life Ceremony and Traditional Funeral
Losing a loved one can be a heart-wrenching experience. A major decision in the grieving process is choosing how to honor their memory. For many, the most obvious option is a traditional funeral, but a celebration of life can be a nicer way to say goodbye.
To understand which is best for your loved one (and you and your family), it helps to know what these terms mean. Here are the differences, so you can make an informed decision.
What is a Traditional Funeral?
Although the actual service can vary in scope and content, a traditional funeral is generally seen as a religious honoring of the deceased. For example, a Christian funeral will typically be held in a church and will contain hymns and readings combined with speeches from guests.
The most important thing about a traditional funeral is that it has a somber tone and reflective attitude. It also follows a fairly set pattern of events and is conducted by a religious leader. Traditional funerals can end in burial or cremation depending on the deceased’s wishes.
What is a Celebration of Life?
On the surface, a celebration of life is a fairly self-explanatory idea. It’s a ceremony that honors the memory of the deceased, typically by playing their favorite music and guests sharing memories or stories. There can still be readings, but these are often not religious.
And this is perhaps the biggest difference: a celebration of life is generally a non-religious ceremony. It takes a more positive approach to the deceased by celebrating their life rather than mourning their loss. Of course, it’s still fine to be sad and to cry – the ceremony is meant to remember the deceased’s impact on the guests.
Finally, another important difference is that there’s no set structure to a celebration of life. The ceremony can happen in any order that feels right and will typically be conducted by a non-religious leader, such as a celebrant. Also, a celebration of life ceremony can happen anywhere: a park or public space, or somewhere special to the deceased.
Which is Right for Your Loved One?
Deciding whether a traditional funeral or celebration of life is best for your loved one depends on several factors. Perhaps the most obvious is whether they were religious. If so, you might already have your answer.
But if they weren’t, or you’d prefer a more positive honoring of their memory, a celebration of life might be the best option. There isn’t a correct answer either way – it ultimately depends on what feels right for you, your friends and family, and your lost loved one.
The bottom line is that a celebration of life is often seen as a lighter and more positive alternative to a traditional religious ceremony. If you think this sounds like the right option for you, get in touch with South Oregon Celebrant. We can advise you in more detail on the process and offer some guidance to help you make your decision.