PARLANCE PUBLISHING

FUNERALIZIN' DOWN SOUTH

            Southern funerals have always been major events. Beginning with the new version of the wake—the Visitation, when the family attends the departed while friends and acquaintances offer condolences and assistance. In the corners, one might hear questions such as…“what are they gonna do with his guns or pick–up truck or some item of interest,“ or “have ya‘ll heard what they‘re gonna do with her hand–made quilts.”

               Depending on the wishes of the surviving family, visitation may be the evening preceeding the funeral or for a couple of hours immediately before. Visitations on the evening before the funeral are usually followed by a family gathering at the surviving spouse‘s home to partake of cake and coffee.

               The funeral itself is always a solemn affair with family and friends bearing witness to the life of the departed in euology and song and spiritual uplifting by the attending minister. Often a final viewing of the departed is allowed, unless cremation was chosen. And there are any number of last respects, e.g. someone singing the favorite song of the departed, or friends telling of memorable times with the departed.

               After the funeral, family, out–of–town relatives and closest friends normally gather to enjoy the remaining food. I‘ve heard it expressed that Southern funerals could not happen without fried chicken and deviled eggs. Luckily, friends attempt to coordinate the provision of foods to insure that a variety is available.

               All of this, in a convoluted way, has to do with “funeralizin‘. It can take on many facets, though my favorite is a jazz funeral in New Orleans. It‘s almost a celebration, and the saints do indeed …“go marching in!”

This page was updated: 01/31/2008    E-mail the Webmaster with questions or comments about this Web site. 

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