7 Inspiring Less Traditional Funeral Readings (2024)

Are you looking for inspiration to choose a funeral reading that is as special and unique as your loved one? Traditional funeral readings and funeral poems aren’t always in sync with the personality and spirit of the person you want to honor. While religious and other texts are often a wonderful source for comforting words in the face of grief and mourning, there are many other places to find meaningful words to share about your loved one at a funeral or memorial.

From song lyrics to movie lines and famous speeches, inspiration and consolation can be found in many mediums--including a variety of texts. Here are just a few examples of funeral readings sure to create a powerful emotional moment for grieving friends and family.

Personalizing a Funeral Reading with Philosophy

Philosophical texts are a great source for thoughtful, perspective-shifting readings. This lesser known reading by Lebanese-American writer and philosopher Kahlil Gibran offers comfort, plus a singular celebration of the human experience. It has a spirt of positivity and reassurance. Even though Gibran often rejected the title of “philosopher,” his uniquely positive, holistic take on the relationship between the human and the divine has unquestionably earned him the distinction.

The Prophet: On Death by Kahlil Gibran

“You would know the secret of death….

For life and death are one, even as the river and the sea are one….

Only when you drink from the river of silence shall you indeed sing.

And when you have reached the mountain top, then you shall begin to climb.

And when the earth shall claim all your limbs, then you shall truly dance.”

Poetry and Non-Traditional Readings for a Funeral

It’s no surprise that poems can be a wonderful source of inspiration for readings. A beautiful poem creates a moment and distills emotion while allowing for openness and interpretation. The three examples below are non-traditional choices for funerals. They're written by three very different poets (Elizabeth Barrett Browning, Dylan Thomas and Maya Angelou). Depending on your loved one and the sentiments you want to express, you can also look to lesser known artists and different genres of poetry--even a haiku or a limerick!

How Do I Love Thee? by Elizabeth Barrett Browning

"How do I love thee? Let me count the ways.
I love thee to the depth and breadth and height
My soul can reach, when feeling out of sight
For the ends of being and ideal grace.
I love thee to the level of every day's
Most quiet need, by sun and candlelight.
I love thee freely, as men strive for right.
I love thee purely, as they turn from praise.
I love thee with the passion put to use
In my old griefs, and with my childhood's faith.
I love thee with a love I seemed to lose
With my lost saints. I love thee with the breath,
Smiles, tears, of all my life; and, if God choose,
I shall but love thee better after death.”

Do Not Go Gentle into That Good Night by Dylan Thomas

Do not go gentle into that good night,

Old age should burn and rave at close of day;

Rage, rage rage against the dying light.”

When Great Trees Fall by Maya Angelou

And when great souls die,

after a period peace blooms,

slowly and always

irregularly. Spaces fill

with a kind of

soothing electric vibration.

Our senses, restored, never

to be the same, whisper to us.

They existed. They existed.

We can be. Be and be

better. For they existed.”

Funeral Readings from Children’s Literature

Children’s literature is often infused with essential lessons about life and can be a wonderful choice to express the uniqueness of a beloved parent, spouse, or friend. Readings from children’s books are not just for kids. They speak to an eternal wonder and an emotional connection that works no matter the age of the person you are celebrating.

Charlotte’s Web by EB White

You have been my friend. That in itself is a tremendous thing. I wove my webs for you

because I liked you. After all, what’s life anyway? We’re born, we live a little while, we

die… By helping you, perhaps I was trying to lift up my life a trifle. Heaven knows anyone’s life can stand a little of that.”

Funeral Service Readings from the Theater

Consider dialogue from a classic or favorite play as a source for readings. The excerpt below from Shakespeare offers nuggets of wisdom for those mourning a loved one. Choose a play that reflects the tone--whether somber or light--that you’d like to express.

A Midsummer Night’s Dream by William Shakespeare

“For you, in my respect, are all the world.

Then how can it be said I am alone

When all the world is here to look on me?

Finding Ideas for Personalized Funeral Readings in Popular Movies

Yes, the below is another poem, but we first discovered it in that unforgettable scene in the movie Four Weddings and a Funeral. It is heartfelt, romantic, and poignant.

Funeral Blues by WH Auden

He was my North, my South, my East and West,

My Working week and my Sunday rest,

My noon, my midnight, my talk, my song;

I thought that love would last forever, I was wrong.”

If you’re seeking inspiration to personalize a funeral with non-traditional readings, there are so many places to look. Movies, books, and even songs about death, dying and loss are great resources for lesser-known, unique funeral readings.

Share Your Inspiration

By the way, if you have a recommendation for a funeral reading that inspires you, we’d love to know about it. Send it to us as info@myfarewelling.com or post it on Instagram with the hashtag #myfarewelling or tag us @myfarewelling and we may feature it on our feed.

I bring a wealth of expertise in the realm of funeral readings and memorial services, having extensively explored the nuanced ways in which people seek to honor their loved ones through meaningful and personalized tributes. My knowledge spans various genres, from philosophical texts and poetry to children's literature and theatrical excerpts. I've delved into the rich reservoir of human expression, uncovering unique and emotionally resonant passages that go beyond conventional funeral norms.

Let's dissect the key concepts and themes presented in the provided article:

1. Philosophical Readings: Kahlil Gibran

  • The article introduces a lesser-known reading by Lebanese-American writer and philosopher Kahlil Gibran.
  • The reading, titled "On Death," from Gibran's work "The Prophet," emphasizes the interconnectedness of life and death, employing metaphors like the river and the sea.

2. Poetry and Non-Traditional Readings: Elizabeth Barrett Browning, Dylan Thomas, Maya Angelou

  • Poems are highlighted as a source of inspiration for funeral readings.
  • Three non-traditional poems are presented, each by a different poet: Elizabeth Barrett Browning's "How Do I Love Thee?," Dylan Thomas's "Do Not Go Gentle into That Good Night," and Maya Angelou's "When Great Trees Fall."
  • The poems offer diverse perspectives on love, aging, and the impact of great souls.

3. Children’s Literature: E.B. White's "Charlotte’s Web"

  • The article suggests that children's literature can convey essential life lessons, making it suitable for expressing the uniqueness of a loved one.
  • An excerpt from E.B. White's "Charlotte’s Web" is provided, emphasizing the significance of friendship and the impact one life can have on another.

4. Theater Readings: William Shakespeare's "A Midsummer Night’s Dream"

  • Dialogue from classic plays is recommended as a source for funeral readings.
  • An excerpt from William Shakespeare's "A Midsummer Night’s Dream" is included, emphasizing the idea that the person being mourned is the entire world.

5. Readings from Popular Movies: W.H. Auden's "Funeral Blues"

  • The article suggests looking to movies for inspiration, presenting a heartfelt poem discovered in the movie "Four Weddings and a Funeral."
  • The poem, "Funeral Blues" by W.H. Auden, expresses deep emotional attachment and the sense of loss associated with a loved one.

6. Seeking Inspiration from Various Sources

  • The article encourages readers to explore a wide range of sources, including books, movies, and songs about death, dying, and loss.
  • Readers are invited to share their own inspirations for funeral readings through email or social media, fostering a sense of community engagement.

In summary, the article provides a comprehensive guide for those seeking to personalize funeral readings, showcasing diverse options that extend beyond traditional choices. The inclusion of various literary genres and mediums reflects a nuanced understanding of the human experience of grief and the desire to celebrate the unique qualities of a departed loved one.

7 Inspiring Less Traditional Funeral Readings (2024)

FAQs

What is the best reading for a funeral? ›

Here are some popular non-religious readings for a funeral:
  • Funeral Blues, W.H. Auden.
  • Do not stand at my grave and weep, Mary Elizabeth Frye.
  • Roads Go Ever On, J.R.R. Tolkien.
  • She (or He) is Gone, David Harkins.
  • Let Me Go, Christina Rosetti.
  • Requiem, Robert Louis Stevenson.

What is the uplifting Bible reading for funerals? ›

John 14:1-3 is a popular reading for this occasion as the mourners are reminded of God's benevolence, “Do not let your hearts be troubled.

What is the happy verse for a funeral? ›

I'd like the tears of those who grieve, to dry before the sun; Of happy memories that I leave when life is done. Because I have loved life, I shall have no sorrow to die. I have sent up my gladness on wings, to be lost in the blue of the sky.

What is the best psalm for a funeral? ›

Psalm 23 – The Lord Is My Shepherd

Psalm 23 is one of the most famous Psalms in the Bible, and a popular choice for many occasions, including funerals. Its peaceful message recalls the faith of the person who has died, and gives hope to those who are attending the funeral.

What is the most beautiful prayer for a funeral? ›

Almighty God, we rejoice in your promise of love, joy and peace. In your mercy turn the darkness of death into the dawn of new life, and the sorrow of parting into the joy of heaven; through our Saviour Jesus Christ, who died, rose again and lives for evermore. Amen.

What poem is often read at funerals? ›

Do Not Stand at My Grave and Weep – Mary Elizabeth Frye. For over 70 years, this uplifting funeral poem has been a common reading at funerals due to its message that those who love you are always with you.

What is the most comforting verse in the Bible? ›

2 Corinthians 1:3-4: Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.

What Bible verse is "Comfort in Death"? ›

Matthew 5:4 - 'Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. ' Psalm 23 - A passage delivering the message of guidance and comfort. 1 Thessalonians 4:13-14 - Offers comfort with the promise of being reunited with those who have passed.

What is Psalm 27 for funeral? ›

The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is my life's refuge; of whom shall I be afraid? (Response.) One thing I ask of the Lord, this I seek: To dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, That I may gaze on the loveliness of the Lord and contemplate his temple.

What is an uplifting hymn for a funeral? ›

Happy and uplifting hymns for a funeral include:

Morning Has Broken. Lord of the Dance. Shine Jesus Shine. Great is Thy Faithfulness.

What is the most comforting thing to say at a funeral? ›

"Please accept my deepest condolences for your loss." "(The deceased) was a great person, and I'll miss them very much." "(He/she) meant a lot to me and everyone else at (the work place.) (He/she) contributed a lot to the company and our team, and (the deceased) will be missed."

What is a simple poem for a funeral? ›

Miss me, but let me go. Don't cry for me now I have died, for I'm still here I'm by your side, My body's gone but my soul is here, please don't shed another tear, I am still here I'm all around, only my body lies in the ground.

What is a good passage from the Bible at a funeral? ›

Matthew 11:28-30

Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.

What is a simple gospel message for a funeral? ›

May your efforts be blessed by God to soothe the pain of the suffering, offer rest to the weary and bring many to know the Lord Jesus, who made a way out of this gnarly mess called death, not only for himself, and for all who would believe in him (Jn 3:16).

What is Psalm 103 for funeral? ›

The Lord is merciful and gracious. The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. He does not deal with us according to our sins, nor repay us according to our iniquities.

How to choose funeral readings? ›

7 Tips for Choosing Funeral Readings that Reflect Your Loved...
  1. Consider your loved one's beliefs and values. ...
  2. Choose Readings That Bring Comfort. ...
  3. Personalize The Readings. ...
  4. Choose From Multiple Sources. ...
  5. Think About The Tone Of The Service. ...
  6. Make Sure The Readings Are Appropriate For The Audience.

What is normally read at a funeral? ›

These could include: Readings from a favorite poem of your loved one who has passed. A handwritten eulogy. Choosing scripture from a religious text such as the Bible, Quran, Hindu Vedas, or Buddhist Sutras.

How do you read at a funeral without crying? ›

As you are giving your speech, if you begin to feel tears swell up, look up at the audience. This quick action can serve as a distraction for your mind and help hold the tears back. You can also scan the audience to see a friendly face which may also help in making you feel more relaxed and able to hold back the tears.

What is Psalm 46 for a funeral? ›

The psalmist says, “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, even though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; though its waters roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with its swelling.

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