The Importance of a Funeral Procession

By: Myles O'Riordan
Thursday, December 8, 2016

The question on whether a funeral procession has been heavily discussed, however, what most people fail to understand is that this is the last time you are spending with the deceased, therefore a proper sendoff is very much in order. At Wagg Funeral Home, we understand the importance of a funeral service – the proper sendoff.

 

What is a Funeral Procession?

A funeral procession is basically a parade of mourners who follow the vehicle which is carrying the body of the deceased. Such a procession carries the deceased body from the memorial site to the burial site.

Over time, this funeral service has evolved from just people carrying the coffin, to the now modern manner, by which the procession involves vehicles such as limousines and hearses.

 

The Hearse

The hearse refers to a vehicle in which the body of the departed is laid and transported from the memorial service to the burial site. The word ‘hearse’ originates from the French word, ‘herce’ which was used to refer to a frame in which a dead body is laid.

In earlier times, the hearse was represented by a horse-drawn chariot in which the dead body was put in to be transported. One of the first motorised hearses was used back in 1909 in the U.S.

 

Procession Etiquette

 

Different cities have different legislations concerning the funeral service. Common procession etiquette includes:

 

1. Marking of the procession vehicles with a funeral flag, which is put there by the funeral home?

2. Procession vehicles are required to turn their headlights on.

3. The order of this funeral service is also taken into consideration. The hearse carrying the deceased is usually in front, followed by the spouse or other relatives close the deceased.  Other extended family relatives and friends, co-workers and/or school mates follow closely behind. Occasionally, a police escort might accompany the procession.

4. In almost all states, the lead vehicle, which carries the deceased body, must at all times, follow the traffic rules, which includes stopping at the red light or at an intersection, after which the other vehicles in the procession are not required to stop if the light turns red.

5. Stopping or slowing down to give the procession way is out of choice. If there is enough room on the road side, stopping a good option in order to not interrupt the procession traffic.

 

Importance of a funeral procession

1. Offer a proper sendoff for your loved ones.

2. Emphasise the person’s importance.

3. Signify that the person will be greatly remembered.

 

If you have any questions, enquiries or suggestions about this procession topic, feel free to contact Wagg Funeral Home. Let us do a proper sendoff for your deceased family member, friend or relative. Wagg Funeral Home is here for you.

 

Leave a comment
Name*:
Email:
Comment*:
Please enter the numbers and letters you see in the image. Note that the case of the letters entered matters.

Comments

Please wait

Previous Posts

6 Ways To Personalize Your Loved One's Gravesite

For many, a gravesite serves as a physical place to visit and connect with a loved one who has passed away. While traditional headstones allow for basic engravings of names and dates, we at Wagg Fu...

How To Make Sense Of Intense Emotions

Emotions can be powerful and overwhelming experiences, leaving us on an emotional rollercoaster. Whether it's intense joy, crippling sadness, or simmering anger, these intense feelings can often ca...

Helping Children Understand Loss

The death of a loved one is an experience no child should have to face, but it is an unfortunate reality for many. When children lose a parent, grandparent, sibling, or other significant person in ...

How To Talk To Your Loved Ones About Your Final Wishes

Though difficult, expressing your final wishes to loved ones is an essential act of care and preparedness. Planning for end-of-life brings peace of mind that your preferences will be honored. It a...

What Is A Funeral Celebrant?

In times of loss and mourning, families seek solace in honoring their loved ones with a meaningful farewell. While traditional funeral services often involve religious officiants, there is a growin...

How To Talk To Your Loved Ones About Your Final Wishes

Though difficult, expressing your final wishes to loved ones is an essential act of care and preparedness. Planning for end-of-life brings peace of mind that your preferences will be honored. It a...

Our Favorite Ideas For Creating A Unique Service

Planning a service to honor a loved one’s life can be an opportunity to create a memorable and unique experience that reflects their individuality. Incorporating some favorite ideas for creating a ...

Your Head Doesn't Know What Your Heart Feels

At Wagg Funeral Home, we have seen that when a loved one passes away, the world can feel like it's been flipped on its axis. Grief, in its raw and overwhelming state, often creates a disconnect bet...

What Cremation Products Are Available For Purchase?

Cremation has become an increasingly popular choice for individuals and families when considering end-of-life arrangements. As cremation continues to grow, many clients at our funeral home ask- wha...

What Can You Do With The Ashes Of A Cremated Loved One?

Cremation has become an increasingly popular choice for end-of-life arrangements, offering individuals and families more flexibility and personalization in commemorating their loved ones. One ques...