The Importance of a Funeral Procession

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.