Dictionary

funeral celebrant en · NOUN

Meanings

1. A person who conducts funerals, memorial services, and similar ceremonies, but who is not a funeral director or a member of the clergy.
   • Marian Barnes pioneered the celebrant funeral alternative in this country in 1979 (a funeral celebrant replaces the priest or funeral director in facilitating a funeral or memorial service) and has now written a book which discusses funeral practices and provides self-help information on planning a funeral (Barnes, 1991). 1992, Celia Briar, Superwoman, where are You?:
   • I noted even high-school teachers - and funeral celebrants - have tattoos these days, which in a more enlightened era, I would have regarded as bordering on profanity. 2017 February 18, “Death cafes: Are you thirsty? I'm dying for a coffee”, in New Zealand Herald:
   • Demand for funeral celebrants has surged across Ireland, as more and more families look to lay their loved ones to rest in non-religious ceremonies. 2016 February 22, Nick Bramhill, “More Irish opt for non-religious funerals”, in Irish Central:
   • Funeral celebrant Justine Thompson - who spoke on behalf of his family - said the arrival of his baby daughter Aliyah forced him to grow up and change his ways. 2013 November 29, Georgina Stylianou, “Family farewell 'proud and committed' young father”, in Christchurch Press:

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