Best friends, close cousins, and other members of the deceased’s ‘chosen family ‘ now have a place in formal funeral arrangements, which may include the funeral limousine. In general, those who handled the funeral arrangements themselves are the ones who take the place of honor in the limo.
Who traditionally goes in funeral cars?
Traditional funeral etiquette dictates that at least two limousines are required, as only the closest family members – parents, spouses and children – are entitled to ride in the first limousine, with in-laws, other family members and close friends following in the second.
Who drives a hearse?
Hearse drivers operate and maintain specialised vehicles to transport deceased persons from their homes, hospital or funeral home to their final resting place. They also assist the funeral attendants with their duties.
What do you call the person who walks in front of the hearse?
The funeral director will then walk in front of the hearse for a short distance. This is a mark of respect to the deceased and also gives following cars an opportunity to join the cortege.
Who sits in the front row at a funeral?
At many funerals, relatives of the deceased sit on the right side. Friends, acquaintances, co-workers, and others typically sit on the left. The front rows are reserved for close relatives .
Why do you walk behind a coffin?
A funeral procession is a tradition in which the family and close friends of someone who has died, along with other mourners, follow behind their coffin as it travels towards its final resting place . ... Male family members would carry the coffin through the streets and recite prayers or psalms along the way.
Can funeral processions run red lights?
Only one state, Nevada , specifically allows the lead or escort vehicle in a funeral procession to go through a red light. Five states, Arizona, Idaho, Kentucky, Montana, and North Dakota, grant funeral processions the right-of-way at intersections without regard to any traffic control signal.
Do they break your legs to put you in a casket?
– Do undertakers break or remove the legs on a long body to fit it into a coffin? No, never! ... Especially when legs can be bent at the knee quite naturally, or one can get a bigger coffin.
Can a hearse run stop signs?
CALIFORNIA: The only law California has regarding funeral processions prohibits anyone from disregarding any traffic signal or direction given by a peace officer in uniform authorized to escort a procession.
What does a white hearse mean?
Meaning of the Omens
Some people believe that seeing their reflection on a hearse means their imminent death, while others believe that a hearse being pulled by two white horses on the road means that someone in the neighborhood will die within a few days .
Why do undertakers sew mouths shut?
Koutandos said a body’s nose and throat are packed with cotton wool to stop fluids from seeping out. Cotton may be used to make the mouth look more natural, if the deceased doesn’t have teeth. Mouths are sewn shut from the inside . ... Makeup—but not too much—is applied to lessen the ‘waxy look’ a dead body might have.
Do families walk behind coffins?
Immediate family and close friends will often walk behind the coffin , followed by other guests.
Why did the Irish throw water in front of a hearse?
The water used to wash the corpse before placement in the coffin was traditionally kept to be thrown in front of the hooves of the horse drawing the funeral carriage. Later, this developed into the symbolic act of neighbors and family throwing buckets of water as a mark of respect for the dead.
Is it rude to bring a baby to a funeral?
Most people will agree that an infant is too young . Bringing a baby to a funeral is likely to simply cause a distraction. ... If the deceased did not have a chance to meet the baby, he or she may have requested the little one’s attendance prior to departing. In most cases, it’s best to honor the wishes of the deceased.
Who speaks first at a funeral?
1. The deceased’s religious leader . In many communities, the deceased’s priest, pastor, rabbi, or minister writes and gives the eulogy at the funeral. If the religious leader knew the deceased personally, he or she would probably add personal stories, especially those that tell the story of the person’s faith.
Who walks in first at a funeral?
The officiant leads the processional and is followed by pallbearers who carry the coffin. Next to walk down the aisle are the family and kin to the deceased followed by close friends who will take their seats in the first few rows, marking the start of the ceremony. A recessional marks the end of the funeral service.
