The definition of a funeral procession is outlined usually as a motorcade, from a funeral home or place of worship to the cemetery or place of final rest. In earlier times the casket was typically carried by male family members to the final resting place, however this has evolved from horse drawn, to now motorized transportation of the deceased in a hearse, while family and friends follow behind in their vehicles.
In today’s society, many can associate with the aggravation of getting slowed up behind a procession or stopped or backed up because of a passing by procession. The meaning of the formal funeral procession however, is intended to initiate community support. Drivers are encourages to pull over and demonstrate respect for this final journey, which signifies the transition between life and death. The procession is a statement to the entire community that one of their own has died. As drivers stop or pull over, they should pause not only to show respect for the bereaved family and friends, but to consider the pricelessness of life and ponder their own mortality.
In addition, participating and driving in a procession can be meaningful and purposeful for the participants. The procession is a form of mourning.
Yes, processions do slow traffic and force us to pause when we may be in a hurry. They are supposed to. In our fast-paced, convenience-focused culture that is forgetting the value of meaningful funeral experiences, we encourage you to be mindful of this the next time you approach a funeral procession or are forced to be slowed down because of a procession.
Reeves and Baskerville Funeral Homes have locations in Coal City, Gardner, Morris and Wilmington; are nationally honored for extraordinary service, community involvement and continuing education, and have been voted Best Funeral Service, year after year.