Secular Society

non-religious ceremonies

Embracing Meaningful Moments: The Power of Non-Religious Ceremonies

Many people recognise the power of non-religious ceremonies. They have moved away from organised religion. However, by nature they still feel the need for ceremony and ritual to mark life’s milestones.

There are many reasons for this.

Secularism

Some people feel that important life events should be marked and celebrated without references to any religious concepts or practices. Humanists, agnostics or atheists choose to focus on the person or couple, telling their stories and acknowledging their value in the family and circle of friends. They do this without invoking any deity.

The South African Secular Society (SASS) provides a platform for people to consider non-religious ceremonies.

From the cradle to the grave there are many milestones that we honour through non-religious ceremonies:

  • Baby naming;
  • Coming-of-age ceremonies;
  • Weddings and handfasting ceremonies;
  • Vow renewals;
  • Funerals, Celebrations of Life and ash scattering ceremonies.

Inclusivity

A non-religious ceremony is a good way to accommodate people from different cultural and religious backgrounds, as well as those who have no specific faith. In this way everyone will feel included and accepted. Everyone can participate comfortably in the ceremony.

Personalised Expression

The power of non-religious ceremonies lies in the fact that they are designed and created to meet the requirements of an individual. A non-religious celebrant will create a unique, bespoke ceremony, based specifically on that person or people. The officiant and the clients have the freedom to choose the wording and the rituals that will suit them as individuals, in keeping with their approach to life.

non-religious ceremonies
A baby-naming ceremony celebrates the new member of your family.

The music and readings are all the more meaningful when they are specially chosen to mark this life event. Symbolic gestures and rituals are tailored to capture the participant’s character and personal preferences, without any restrictions.

Family traditions can be highlighted and culture and heritage can be honoured.

A non-religious ceremony is motivated by the personal beliefs of the individuals who are involved. It is developed by the celebrant working closely with the participants. So no two ceremonies need be the same, as they reflect the values and choices of those specific people.

Types of ceremonies

People acknowledge the power of non-religious ceremonies in many different ways.

A non-religious baby naming focuses on welcoming a child into a family, circle of friends and the community. It marks the start of the formation of the child’s identity. It allows the care givers to make promises of their commitment to this new addition to their family.

When a couple choose to have a non-religious wedding, they will work with the officiant to create a ceremony that solemnises their commitment to each other in exactly the way they wish.

A vow renewal ceremony gives a married couple the opportunity to make their pledges to each other once more, before a group of people who are special to them.

non-religious ceremonies
A non-religious renewal of vows ceremony can be deeply meaningful.

A non-religious funeral or celebration of life ceremony captures the character of the deceased by telling the story of that person’s life, their relationships, achievements and interests.

Celebrant or officiants who are members of the South African Secular Society offer a variety of non-religious ceremonies. This includes some of them being designated marriage officers, which means that they can legally marry a couple and register the marriage with the Department of Home Affairs. They will interview you and your family. They will then create bespoke, individualised ceremonies to mark all the significant life events that people wish to share with family and friends.

Get in touch with SASS today to discuss your needs.