Humanism is a non-religious belief system. Humanists are people who shape their own lives in the here and now, because they believe it’s the only life we have. They make sense of the world through logic, reason, and evidence, and always seek to treat those around them with warmth, understanding, and respect.
And just like with other belief systems, they have important ceremonies too. Watch Ivy experience her naming ceremony, with the key features explained, while her parents discuss the Humanist principles they want to instill in her.
Humanists UK
Muslim Birth Ceremonies – Omaima has a new baby cousin called Jenna and is looking forward to babysitting duties. Before Jenna was born, Omaima went to visit parents-to-be Hawra and Mustafa to talk about their plans for the birth and the various traditions that Muslim families follow when a baby is born.
Christian Marriage – Emily’s mum recently got married, and it got her thinking: what does marriage mean for Christians? So with the help of her mum, her new step dad and the vicar who performed the ceremony, Emily talks us through the wedding video.
Christian Baptism – Some Christians will baptise babies, but others believe that a person should only be baptised when they are old enough to choose for themselves. Anna visits an Anglican Church and a Baptist Church to find out what happens at the different kinds of baptism and why.
Christian Funeral – How do you want to be remembered? Since Romario’s grandmother died, he has been thinking about what happens at a Christian funeral, and the mark he wants to make on the world during his lifetime.
Bat and Bar Mitzvah – When does someone become an adult? Emily recently had her Bat Mitzvah at an Orthodox Synagogue and is now a Daughter of the Commandment and responsible for her own actions. She talks about the ceremony and compares it to her friend Ben’s Bar Mitzvah.
It’s a Miracle! – Peter – fisherman, apostle, “The Rock” – shares his memories of Jesus. He talks about their friendship and describes the different kinds of miracle he saw Jesus perform. Animation by Ceiren Bell
This film was a finalist in the “Short Form Video” category of the Jerusalem Awards 2013.
Life is a Journey
How many new beginnings have you been through? Here is an animated introduction to ‘Rites of Passage’, thinking about life as a journey and the things that happen along the way.
The Formation of the Khalsa
What would you die for? A report from the Punjab in India where the Sikh leader, Guru Gobind Singh, is asking people to stand up for their faith with an unusual question: “Who will give their head to my sword?” Animation by Ceiren Bell
