Funeral procession
Encyclopedia
A funeral procession is a procession
, usually in motor vehicles, from a church, synagogue
, or mosque
to the cemetery
. The deceased is usually transported in a hearse
, while family and friends follow in their vehicles.
are:
Procession
A procession is an organized body of people advancing in a formal or ceremonial manner.-Procession elements:...
, usually in motor vehicles, from a church, synagogue
Synagogue
A synagogue is a Jewish house of prayer. This use of the Greek term synagogue originates in the Septuagint where it sometimes translates the Hebrew word for assembly, kahal...
, or mosque
Mosque
A mosque is a place of worship for followers of Islam. The word is likely to have entered the English language through French , from Portuguese , from Spanish , and from Berber , ultimately originating in — . The Arabic word masjid literally means a place of prostration...
to the cemetery
Cemetery
A cemetery is a place in which dead bodies and cremated remains are buried. The term "cemetery" implies that the land is specifically designated as a burying ground. Cemeteries in the Western world are where the final ceremonies of death are observed...
. The deceased is usually transported in a hearse
Hearse
A hearse is a funerary vehicle used to carry a coffin from a church or funeral home to a cemetery. In the funeral trade, hearses are often called funeral coaches.-History:...
, while family and friends follow in their vehicles.
Standard procedure
The rules applied in most of the United StatesUnited States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
are:
- All vehicles traveling in a funeral procession must be accompanied by a licensed escort. Usually one escort is assigned for approximately every 10 to 12 vehicles.
- Funeral processions have the right of way. People are required to yield, and not interfere or cause an obstruction. This is a long-standing tradition in English common lawCommon lawCommon law is law developed by judges through decisions of courts and similar tribunals rather than through legislative statutes or executive branch action...
. - Stickers (colored markers) must be attached to front and rear windows of each vehicle.
- Everyone that's part of the procession is required to have their lights turned on, and some states require the escort to use hazard lights.