Church or civil funeral
Most funerals in Norway follow the Norwegian Church Order. If a church funeral is chosen, we will liaise with the local church office and co-ordinate time and place with the priest who officiates in the particular church. If a civil funeral is chosen, a decision has to be made as to who will conduct or lead the service. At the same time consideration must be given to how the service will be arranged.
For relatives wishing a humanist funeral we can contact the Human-Etisk-Forbund (Human-Ethical Association).
New practices at funerals
The Church has its own liturgy and ceremonies and the Human-Ethical Association also has its own arrangements for the conduct of a funeral. In the last couple of years we have seen new practices which in the past were not common at funerals. Some people also choose civil funerals that are not organised by the Human-Ethical Association.
Musical interludes, eulogies, welcome speech and showing of video clips from the deceased’s lifetime can contribute to putting a personal stamp on the service. A photograph of the deceased on the front cover of the programme is a feature often used.
Choice of decoration can say a great deal about a person. So for instance seaweed, tar or shells tells a story of attachment to skerries and the sea. By the same token, moss, roots and spruce needles symbolise closeness to forests, mountains and nature. Club colours, costumes and flags also show strong attachments.