These days, many people want to make the funeral of a loved one a celebration of life rather than a sorrowful occasion. When it comes to funeral planning, more people consider how to create a funeral procession.
So, how do you make a funeral procession an integral part of a celebratory send-off?
The Origins of a Funeral Procession
The roots of a jazz funeral procession trace back to the streets of 19th century New Orleans.
The custom aimed to provide a way for the deceased to find a path to Heaven. To this end, the procession celebrates release from earthly life and the journey to eternal life in Heaven.
The traditions echo funeral ceremonies from Africa. Captive slaves brought these traditions from the continent to America. So, the custom of the New Orleans jazz procession carries connotations of release from slavery too. Of course, this resonates with the city’s population, both then and now.
The Original Funeral Procession
In the original funeral processions of the 1800s, mourners walked from the home of the deceased to the cemetery. A band played spiritual music and traditional dirges – songs or laments expressing grief and mourning. After the burial, the band led the procession back to the house, playing more upbeat music. Often these tunes were popular songs of the day.
As jazz music evolved from the heartlands of the Deep South, it became the soundtrack of the New Orleans Jazz Funeral as we know it today.
Musical Funerals, Brass Bands and Jazz Funerals
Traditionally, the procession formed part of what people called a ‘musical funeral’. Musicians themselves carried the name ‘brass bands’ – although quite different to what most of us recognise as a British brass band. In fact, musical funerals only became known as ‘jazz funerals’ after the procession gained global popularity in the 20th century.
How to Create a Funeral Procession Today
Creating a funeral procession today is more straightforward than you might think. First, decide on the route – from the family home, chapel, or gathering point to the church, crematorium or graveside. Then think about the music. Do you want a sombre opening and a joyful second line? Or something entirely reflective throughout?
Silk Street Jazz can help you plan every detail. We work with families and funeral directors across the UK. Contact us today to discuss how we can create a beautiful, fitting funeral procession for your loved one.