All about the Funeral Procession

The funeral procession or funeral cortege is a way of showing love to the deceased person for the last time. By this event, the participants of this procession bid goodbye to the deceased person and indicate that he or she is not alone even at the last journey of life.

Just like other events of funeral service, this procession also has some dos and don'ts. Before going in that discussion, let’s have a brief knowledge of this ritual itself.

What is Funeral Procession?

It is the event in which the mourners (family members, relatives and friends) accompany the body of the deceased person in the casket towards the burial site from the funeral home. This procession usually starts from the home of the deceased person to the place of funeral service and then towards the burial ground. Previously, family members carried the coffin and participants walk behind them. Now, the family members, along with the coffin, lead the procession in a hearse, and the procession follows them.

Right now, many families skip this event by arranging the funeral services at a funeral home which has a burial ground because they want to be free from the responsibilities of arranging this procession. However, it is greatly valued by some people till date.

There are rules for those who are taking part in this funeral procession and also for those who encounter the procession at the time of passing by. You can go through these following tips:

Rules for the Participants of Funeral Procession

1. Arrive on Time

Reach the place on time and know your position in the procession. Family members will be the first, followed by close friends and relatives.

2. Ask for the Direction

The funeral director will give the directions, so listen very carefully. Don't try to take any shortcuts to reach the grave. You have to be with this procession throughout. Feel free to ask if you don't understand the direction.

3. Keep the Headlights on

By seeing the headlights on, people will understand that you are a part of the procession. If you are driving the last car, it will have two flags with flashy hazard lights to indicate that the procession is over.

4. Lower the Speed and Maintain the Distance

The funeral procession moves slowly, so you have to keep your speed between 30-50 mph. Also, you have to make sure that there is not more than the length of a car between your car and the one in front of you. Try to maintain the line as well. Even at the signals, you can be with the procession. Don't worry! By doing this, you will not break the traffic rules. Local traffic ordinance has separate rules for such emergencies.

5. Take Care of the Flag

Keep it in mind that the magnetic flags will help others to understand that you are a part of a funeral procession. So place the flag carefully. Until the attendant of the cemetery comes to collect the flag, it is solely your responsibility.

6. Lower Your Voice

Keeping your voice low irrespective of what you say will be appreciated. It will not be an issue if you don't socialize with other participants of the procession at the parking. Along with this, you can keep your mobile in silent mode.

7. Maintain the Decency in Parking

The participants have to park their cars according to their arrival at the cemetery. So, wait for your turn.

8. Dress Appropriately

You can wear any black or other dark suit or formal dress. Keep it simple and make sure the dress is unrevealing.

The Correct Order of the Procession

The funeral director in front of the hearse leads the procession. A chauffeur-driven Limousine follows it. If you are not a close friend or a family member or a close acquainted one with the deceased person, don't expect to be in the limo. Other mourners ride according to their arrival time. However, this order sometimes depends on the decision of the family members.

Rules for Drivers and Pedestrians who Encounter the Funeral Procession

Encountering the funeral procession is all about showing respect to the procession and the deceased person. So, if you are walking by a procession or driving the same route a procession takes, you can follow these tips:

1. Be polite and patient

Remember, the mourners have just lost a near one. So, being impatient and blowing the horn or revving the engine will seem very rude. Even if you are late for some important work, don't overtake the procession and wait until they pass. You can also try to give way to the procession.

2. Don't cut into the procession

Irrespective of any urgency, do not cut into the procession, by crossing the road even though there is a green signal.

3. Lower your voice

Turn off the music in your car. If you are talking to someone mobile, lower your tone. In case you are attending a call, try the same. You can stop and bow as well to show respect to the procession.

So, these are the general guidelines of attending and encountering a funeral procession. A polite attitude is expected from the participants and the pedestrians and drivers. You should not forget that it is an emotional event for the family members of the deceased person, so maintaining decency and showing good manners to the grieving people will be much appreciated.