Farewell by the water – Funeral service by the lake with scattering of ashes
Water has always represented change, purification, and a return to wholeness. A lakeside funeral combines this ancient symbolism with a modern, silent form of farewell. Here, people find a place where letting go and remembering naturally merge.
The Meaning of Farewell by the Water
Scattering ashes on a lake is more than a ritual—it is a gesture of letting go. Water absorbs, carries away, and reconnects all life to its source. Many relatives find this form of farewell ceremony particularly comforting: It creates a closeness to nature, allows for a free, personal setting, and is effective through its simplicity.
Procedure of a Lakeside Funeral
A lakeside ceremony is individually designed—in accordance with the wishes of the relatives and local regulations. A brief introduction or address is usually followed by a personal speech honoring the life of the deceased. Music, a silent prayer, or shared silence accompany this moment. The ashes are then released into the water—often from a boat or jetty. Flowers, blossoms, or natural materials can be added to make the farewell visible.
The setting is simple yet impressive: the play of light, wind, and waves replaces the decor, and the water becomes the vehicle of remembrance.
Design and Accompaniment by Master Reding
Master Reding accompanies lakeside funerals with calm, mindfulness, and a sense of place. His speeches combine life story, symbolism, and the language of nature into a harmonious whole. He takes over the planning and coordination of the ceremony, ensures an orderly flow, and ensures that all legal regulations are adhered to.
Possible elements of a lakeside ceremony:
- Personal address or life speech
- Musical accompaniment (live or recorded)
- Blessing, silent prayer, or symbolic act
- Scattering ashes on water
- Farewell flowers, light ceremony, or floating candles
Legal Notice
In Switzerland, the scattering of ashes on bodies of water is generally permitted, but is subject to the regulations of the respective cantons and municipalities. The ceremony can take place on a boat, on a shoreline, or from a jetty – always with respect and discretion. Master Reding advises the relatives in advance about the appropriate options and takes care of organizing the necessary permits.
A Quiet Place of Remembrance
For many bereaved relatives, the lake remains a place they later return to – not as a burial site, but as a free, vibrant space of remembrance. The gentle shimmer of the water, the sound of the waves, and the open light create an atmosphere where grief and peace can coexist.
Like a drop, it returns home to the sea.
The lakeside funeral service combines letting go with a feeling of spaciousness and quiet connection. Master Reding accompanies this journey with sensitivity, dignity, and a deep understanding of the symbolism of water – as a place of farewell and remembrance.