What is the protocol for a funeral procession?

What is the protocol for a funeral procession?

In most states, the lead vehicle of a funeral procession must observe all traffic lights and signs. Once it goes through an intersection legally, the rest of the funeral procession can follow without stopping. If you’re in a processional, don’t stop at traffic lights or stop signs unless there’s an emergency.

What is the placing of the pall?

The pall is placed on the casket or coffin as soon as it arrives at the church and will remain on the coffin during all of proceedings in the church. Since Orthodox funerals are normally open casket, the pall comes up only to the chest of the deceased.

Where do pallbearers ride?

Once the casket is secure in the hearse, the pallbearers will join the funeral procession. They often ride in a special car or limousine so they can meet the casket as soon as it arrives at the gravesite. This vehicle drives immediately behind the hearse and the other vehicles following behind.

Who walks behind the coffin at a funeral?

The officiant will usually lead the procession and pallbearers carrying the coffin tend to follow. Immediate family and close friends will often walk behind the coffin, followed by other guests.

Is it respectful to pull over for a funeral procession?

Are You Supposed to Pull Over for a Funeral Procession? From a legal standpoint it depends on the laws of your particular state. But from a traditional standpoint, yes, you should pull over for a funeral procession. It’s a meaningful show of respect for the family as they are mourning the loss of a loved one.

Why do they put a veil over a casket?

A casket veil, also called a pall or mortcloth, is a veil that is placed over the corpse inside the coffin. These embellish the display of the body itself during a wake or before a burial, and also grant dignity and respect to the deceased by covering the body with a beautiful garment.

What side of the church does the family sit on at a funeral?

Funeral Seating Guidelines 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.

What do pallbearers wear at a Catholic funeral?

Pallbearers play a central role in helping to carry the casket during a funeral. You may see some of them in white gloves usually worn to signify respect for the deceased or as a sign of purity. Depending on the underlying tradition of the specific catholic community, you may have both pallbearers and casket bearers.

How are pallbearers chosen in the Catholic Church?

In most traditions including modern catholic practices, pallbearers are chosen from among family members, close friends or even colleagues of the departed. In some cases, the pallbearers could be hired from outside depending on the wishes of the family. There is no gender exclusivity as to who becomes a pallbearer.

What are the different types of funerals and pallbearers?

There are two main types of funerals with reference to pallbearers: closed casket and open casket funerals. Where the body of the deceased is in a condition that doesn’t permit public viewing or the family members prefer it that way, closed casket funerals are held.

When does a priest use the processional cross?

In fact, this was formerly the common practice at any solemn Mass celebrated by a priest. Historically, the use of the processional cross was reserved for Masses celebrated by a bishop or to Masses celebrated by a priest which involved some kind of special procession as on Palm Sunday or at a funeral.