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Funeral procession etiquetteFollow

#1 Jan 26 2006 at 2:28 PM Rating: Good
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I've only run accorss this a couple of times, and I'm not sure if it's an east coast thing, a southern thing, or a U.S. thing. When taking a body in for burial, do the cars of the mourners usually have to line up, flash their hazards and proceed down the freeway at 35mph? What's that about? If you're not one of the mourners, is it okay to pass mid-cortege, or should you wait for the entire procession? Is it okay to pass at all?

#2 Jan 26 2006 at 2:30 PM Rating: Excellent
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Boy we sure are a barrell of laughs today. I can hardly contain myself!

Nexa
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#3 Jan 26 2006 at 2:35 PM Rating: Good
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The processions I've seen typically keep their headlights on instead of using hazard lights. The slow driving is typical, and other drivers are (by convention? by law?) expected to wait for the procession to pass.

As a kid I remember seeing processions go through stop signs, red lights, etc., but they were typically processions that had police escort in evidence.
#4 Jan 26 2006 at 2:36 PM Rating: Good
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Nexa wrote:
Boy we sure are a barrell of laughs today. I can hardly contain myself!

Nexa
I'm sayin!!!

Side note: The hearse actually had teeny purple flags on it that said "FUNERAL". As if people tear off in hearses for 35mph joyrides all the time and they want to make clear that this is not one of them.

Edited, Thu Jan 26 14:37:32 2006 by Atomicflea
#5 Jan 26 2006 at 2:38 PM Rating: Decent
All I know is that hitting on the widow is a faux pas in most circles.



Generally, from what I've seen, most processions stay away from highways, so I dunno Smiley: confused

Though I would assume it's bad form/disrespectful of the dead to cut through the line, I'm sure that if you passed them, not toooo quickly, but passed them (the whole line) nonetheless, you wouldn't get any frowns from people you don't know.



*edit*

This is directed insofar as a highway question- like, if there were 3 lanes, the right has the procession, the middle be empty, and other cars on the right. Not on a regular street.


Edited, Thu Jan 26 14:45:49 2006 by Althrun
#6 Jan 26 2006 at 2:41 PM Rating: Good
Gurue
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Around here, the cars in the procession turn on their headlights and follow in a row.

Those of us not going to the funeral generally stop and pull off to the side of the road (if possible) and wait for the procession to pass as a show of respect for the dead and the family.

Small town, southern thang.
#7 Jan 26 2006 at 2:41 PM Rating: Excellent
Liberal Conspiracy
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Here in Chicago suburbia, the protocol is to keep headlights on and the pace is typically leisurely since you don't want to lose Aunt Florence towards the back on the way to St. Mary's.

The "Funeral" sticker is put in all the cars in the procession and lets the cops know what's up since processions can pass through traffic signals. I would imagine that, again, this is so the procession doesn't get all broken up when a light changes midway through. I'd think and hope that the lead vehicle will stop for a red light but, once it starts moving, everyone passes through regardless of the light color.
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#8 Jan 26 2006 at 2:41 PM Rating: Good
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Wingchild wrote:
The processions I've seen typically keep their headlights on instead of using hazard lights. The slow driving is typical, and other drivers are (by convention? by law?) expected to wait for the procession to pass.

As a kid I remember seeing processions go through stop signs, red lights, etc., but they were typically processions that had police escort in evidence.

I'm one of those people that resents stopping for school buses, so you can guess whether or not I chose to wait. I didn't see any police escort, and I just thought they were a bunch of slow-moving bastages. Smiley: frown
#9 Jan 26 2006 at 2:46 PM Rating: Good
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Mistress Nadenu wrote:

Small town, southern thang.

AHA!!!!



I have GOT to get out of this town.
#10 Jan 26 2006 at 2:49 PM Rating: Default
Here you can actually be ticketed for passing or cutting into the procession. You pull off the side of the road and just wait.
#11 Jan 26 2006 at 2:52 PM Rating: Good
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I think it has more to do with historical traditions. The clergy and family at the front and carrying the casket as they walk slowly toward the cemetary. I find it strange that the procession does not stop for traffic lights. So basically its rude if you: cut into the middle of the procession, assume right-of-way at a traffic light, tailgate, or lay on the horn and curse as you fly by letting them know that you are "number 1" waving your hand at them. The only time I believe it is appropriate to pass would be on a 4 lane highway, as they only use 1 lane to travel in. (I also think I probably have way too much freetime.)
#12 Jan 26 2006 at 2:55 PM Rating: Good
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Growlingbunny wrote:
I think it has more to do with historical traditions. The clergy and family at the front and carrying the casket as they walk slowly toward the cemetary.

You realize they were driving, right?
Quote:

I find it strange that the procession does not stop for traffic lights. So basically its rude if you: cut into the middle of the procession, assume right-of-way at a traffic light, tailgate, or lay on the horn and curse as you fly by letting them know that you are "number 1" waving your hand at them.

You forgot flashing my bewbs at them.

Quote:
The only time I believe it is appropriate to pass would be on a 4 lane highway, as they only use 1 lane to travel in.

Which I happened to be on. Score!

Quote:
(I also think I probably have way too much freetime.)

I would agree.
#13 Jan 26 2006 at 3:04 PM Rating: Good
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Quote:
You realize they were driving, right?

Gee, you mean they weren't on foot? I was referring to historically (this would be before cars), they processed on foot to the burial site. So in keeping with tradition, it continues at a respectful pace (yet utilizes technology). Also the slow pace is probably so "Uncle Joe" arrives right side up and doesn't get tossed around in the back of the hearse as they take corners at 90 miles an hour (altho I believe seeing that might be mildly entertaining in a macabre sort of way).

And as to flashing them, I believe that can be left up to your discretion^^

~edited for redundancy >.<

Edited, Thu Jan 26 15:06:48 2006 by Growlingbunny
#14 Jan 26 2006 at 3:13 PM Rating: Decent
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Although these rules of etiquette are originally intended for someone planning to go to a CO Beach, or Cloting Optional Beach, I find that they work well as rules of etiquette for a Funeral as well.

Free Beach and Funeral Etiquette
A Guide to Courtesy at Clothing Optional and Funeral Preparation Sites

Smiley: dnp




Beach and Funeral etiquette is not much different from the same good manners that you should exhibit wherever you go in Lichtenstein. Be polite and respect the rights of others and others will do the same for you.

Gawking is Impolite
Gawking, or staring at nude sunbathers or a dead body, is impolite. It is always rude to stare at others, but it is especially so when you use binoculars or a camera to look at nude people or someone lying in 'state'. If you came to a CO beach or a funeral to see for yourself what the experience is like, please, join in. You will have a great time. If you came to "look at the nudies" and or "look at the stiffies", do yourself a favor and buy a magazine and read it at home.

Obey all Parking Rules and Regulations
Park only in designated areas. In some areas parking is limited and fills up early. If this is true at your beach or funeral home you can:

Arrive Early - before the crowds.
Carpool - saving both gas and parking spots.
Give others a ride from the parking area to the beach or the funeral parlor. Someone may do the same for you.

Respect the Environment
Keep out of the dunes or other areas that may be environmentally sensitive like the formaldehyde tanks in the mortuary. Many CO beaches are near dunes and other environmentally sensitive areas. We can loose access to CO areas and to funeral homes by impairing the environment and huffing formaldehyde.

Help Keep the Area Clean
Bring and use trash bags. Always try to carry out more trash than you carried in especially the "White Trash". Leave nothing but footprints, take only memories.

Get Dressed When Leaving Established CO Areas and Funeral Parlors
Many of the CO areas while not strictly legal, are accepted by the local population. To avoid offending people, do not go nude into funeral parking lots or textile mill beaches.

Avoid Any Sexual Activity
While nudity is sensual, avoid any hint of sexuality in CO areas. Complaints about sex in public have caused problems at several CO beaches and Funeral homes. Please, do not give the prudes an excuse to close down another CO Funeral recreation beach site.

Respect Private Property
Show respect for the private property of others as you go to and from the beach an d funeral home. Don't litter or park on private property. Don't speak inFarsi and don't listen to Cajun music. It is however acceptable to ride backwards on a Burro, in a Tu-Tu, while eating a Kumquat and holding a Conch Shell up to your left ear.

Respect the Privacy of Others.
Many folks come to the beach and funeral home to enjoy nature and do not want to be disturbed. It is OK to be friendly, but if someone doesn't seem to respond, please respect their right to privacy.

Be Prepared.
Most Co beaches and funeral homes are remote and do not offer the services and amenities found at textile beaches.
Therefore you should bring everything you may need including:
Water and Other Beverages
Food
Cooler
Sunscreen
Towel
Chair or Mattress
Other beach Supplies
Condoms
Farm Livestock
Camcorder
Jar of Ether
Latex Medical Gloves
Saran-Wrap
A framed picture of 'Rick James'
Finger Cymbals
A Dulcimer

Speak up for Standards
If you see someone who is violating the accepted standards, please explain to them clearly and politely just how they are violating the rules and just what the proper behavior is.

I hope this helps Flea.

Redjed.

#15 Jan 26 2006 at 3:15 PM Rating: Decent
Mistress Nadenu wrote:
Around here, the cars in the procession turn on their headlights and follow in a row.

Those of us not going to the funeral generally stop and pull off to the side of the road (if possible) and wait for the procession to pass as a show of respect for the dead and the family.

Small town, southern thang.


/nod
#16 Jan 26 2006 at 3:39 PM Rating: Good
Ministry of Silly Cnuts
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Get a friend to give the lead Horse a carrot.

While the hearse is stopped by this diversion, explain to the people in the carriage behind that you may have been mistaken, and that it may have just sounded like a knocking sound from inside the casket.


Oh, wait - you have horseless carriages now, right?
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