What Does It Mean to Pay Homage?

 

When we experience the loss of a loved one, it is normal to want to honor them and show our love and respect to a person who meant so much to us. This feeling of wanting to honor someone is tied to the word "homage," which you may have heard before but may not have been clear on its meaning.

 

Here, we break down the concept of homage and how you can put it into action and pay homage to a loved one in a meaningful, personalized way.

What Is the Meaning of "Homage?"

Homage is a term for demonstrating respect for a person. It can show how people influence others and the world around them through their character, accomplishments, and choices. Another word often used for homage is tribute.

What Does It Mean to Pay Homage?

To pay homage, specifically when you lose a loved one, is to honor them by sharing how they impacted the world and what their life meant to you. There are many easy and thoughtful ways to do this in your own life.

How You Can Pay Homage to a Loved One

Paying homage to a loved one doesn’t need to cost much, if any, money -- there are small, simple things you can do. Here, we break down five different ways you can pay homage to a loved one with some examples of each.

A Personal Tribute

Many people want to pay homage to their loved ones but don’t know where to start. Here are some ideas for tributes that are personalized to your relationship with your loved one.

• One of the simplest ways to pay homage is to share personal stories or anecdotes with others at the loved one's funeral or wake. This can be a wonderful opportunity for family and friends to learn more about their loved one, their life, and their accomplishments. Don’t be afraid to include humor -- much of a person's personality is found in humorous stories about them.
• Write a letter or card sharing your memories about your loved one. Feel free to express your emotions. Whether you wish to share your letter with others is entirely up to you -- it can also simply serve as a written private memento of your memories with your loved one.
• Something as simple as caring for a loved one's gravesite or helping tie up their affairs can be a form of paying homage. Some people aren’t the type to verbally share their feelings, but practical help can be a silent, productive way of paying homage.

A Public Tribute

Public tributes offer a way for people to unite and pay homage as a group. The following are some examples of ways in which people may pay homage publicly.

• Holding a vigil or memorial service allows those who want to show their respects to come together and share their feelings with others who feel the same way. During the event, you may wish to have guests light candles, give speeches, or share memories of your loved one. These can be great ways to bring everyone who knew your loved one together as a community to mourn and honor their memory.
• Creating an online memorial page is another idea. In addition to offering a place to share memories and pay tribute, it can also be a great comfort for loved ones to read the messages from family and friends all in one place and have something permanent to look back on over time.
• Dedicating a public location in memory of the loved one, such as with a plaque or sign, is a lovely way to pay tribute to them. Some ideas include having a plaque placed on a bench in their favorite park or having a sign installed near their go-to walking trail.
• Displaying a photo collage at a funeral or wake so people can celebrate the entire life of the loved one is an artistic way to pay homage. You can gather the photos from family and friends and have the funeral home prepare a display.

A Charitable Tribute

People may want to pay homage using financial means. Some monetary ways you can pay homage to your loved one include the following.

• Donating to a charitable cause close to your loved one's heart. You may wish to set up a recurring donation, such as once a year on your loved one's birthday or the anniversary of their passing.
• Volunteering in their name for charitable work they were involved with.
• Establishing a scholarship in your loved one’s name.

A Creative Tribute

People of all ages can use their creativity to pay homage to someone they loved. Some ideas include the following.

• Creating artwork. Whether a child draws a picture of hiking with Grandpa or a painter creates a magnificent piece of art, both are personalized ways of paying homage to a loved one.
• Music can be used in a memorial service or funeral to pay homage. You may wish to play your loved one's favorite music, sing a song in their honor, or even create a new song inspired by them for the service.

A Lasting Tribute

If you're looking for a lasting tribute to a loved one, here are some ways you can keep their memory alive for years to come.

• Plant a tree. Planting one at a family home or vacation house is a nice way of keeping the memory of your loved one close at a special place.
• Create a foundation or a legacy project in their name. This is a great option for a loved one who always paid it forward and helped others.
• Advocate for a building, street, or highway to be named for a loved one. This could be an idea for a loved one who was an active member in their community.

Now that you know what homage is and what it means to pay homage to a loved one, you can take these ideas and determine how you can best honor your loved one.

The Neptune Society is the nation's oldest and largest provider of affordable cremation services. Whether you have an immediate need or want to plan cremation services in advance, we are always available to assist you and your family. Call 1-800-NEPTUNE (800-637-8863) today or contact us online to learn more.