Although not talked about a lot, a funeral procession is still popular in the Philippines. After the burial mass in the church, the funeral procession to the cemetery follows.
Beyond.Life defines it as: “..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. It is sometimes called a funeral cortège.”
Image source: Flickr
“The processions (or corège) literally means “to pay honor.” Often, the last thing we can do for someone we love is accompanied him or her to the grave.”, according to ShipInman.com.
From Wikipedia, “A funeral procession is a procession, usually in motor vehicles or by foot, from a funeral home or place of worship to the cemetery or crematorium.”
The procession by foot is common in the Philippines to be it in the city or local towns in the province. A lot of families find this tradition comforting. Music will fill this sorrowful march, as family and friends follow the hearse. Participants follow in unison, giving the decedent the dignity he deserves.
The hearse is an important vehicle in the procession, (or for those who prefer the coffin to be carried by the bearers). Everyone follows this lead. This emphasizes the importance of the departed loved one, being the reason why everybody is gathered. Through the procession, the community takes notice that one of their own has passed.
The funeral procession is also considered the last journey of the deceased together with his loved one. This is how solid community support is expressed and the beginning of the grieving process. A sense of togetherness even in sorrow and grief happens in this march. Staying behind or visiting the grave after separately and alone is a lot more painful instead of facing death with a group.
As drivers and passersby, strangers and friends alike, slow down, take a pause and offer a short prayer during the funeral procession, they will at the same time realize how precious life is, and how valuable family, friendship and togetherness is – to ponder that we are all but passersby in this world and that life is fragile.
A funeral procession is a mourning tradition. It should not die nor disappear because life is now fast-paced and always on a deadline. This is one of every funeral homes’ sales and directors’ job, to educate the people, especially the young ones about its importance to the grieving process.
Though most people now would think, a funeral procession is just a long row of cars and/or a large crowd of people following a dead person in a coffin.
Every funeral packages listed in Funerallink includes a hearse. Variety of choices as to what type of vehicle to use for the procession is part of the packages.
Image Source: Pixabay
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