But… What's a hearse?
Photo by Patrick Quinn on Unsplash
A hearse is essentially a vehicle that has been modified to have a long space in the back behind the driver's seat to accommodate a coffin.
Traditionally, they were carriages designed to hold the dead, though they were horse-drawn.
By the 20th century, motorized hearses began to appear, and many different types of cars such as Mercedes-Benz and Cadillac were adapted to become hearses for comfort and convenience.
Why is it called a hearse?
What is the origin of the name 'hearse' ? Some people find the word 'hearse' a bit unusual. In Middle English. the word herse was a type of candelabra.
Although the origin of this term is derived from the word for candelabras held over caskets, it has now transformed into a somber-sounding expression used to refer to a hearse.
Today, its meaning is associated with these vehicles that remain a living example of the final journey of our loved ones.
What are the primary responsibilities of hearse drivers and their vehicles?
- Transporting the dead: The main responsibility of a hearse is to safely transport the body to the funeral. To ensure safety and security, hearses are designed to transport only one casket at a time.
-
Funeral procession: Knowing and understanding funeral procession etiquette is the primary responsibility of a hearse driver. The hearse usually leads the family to the final burial site during a funeral procession.
For the funeral procession, it is crucial for both onlookers and passing cars to come to a stop and wait. Any hearse driver must have extensive knowledge of this etiquette.
Types of Hearses
Vintage Rolls Royce Hearse parked on seafront promenade in Suffolk, England
Different funeral traditions are reflected in the various types of hearses, which are influenced by cultural preferences and unique requirements.
Local customs, the nature of the funeral service, and the family's wishes often determine the choice of hearse. Some common types of hearses are as follows:
Traditional motorized hearses
Hearse carrying the casket of President George H.W. Bush
These are the most commonly used type of hearse in many countries, especially in the United States, Canada, and Europe. Traditional motorized hearses are commonly black and feature subtle decorative elements and drapery to indicate the solemnity of the occasion.
Horse-drawn hearses
These funeral carriages evoke a past time when horses were the main means of transportation for funerals. In certain regions, particularly in the United Kingdom, Ireland, and certain parts of Europe, horse-drawn carriages are still used as a nod to tradition or to add an element of elegance and solemnity to the funeral procession.
Horse-drawn hearses usually have a carriage with glass sides to exhibit the coffin and any flowers that come with it.
Motorcycle Hearses
A relatively new innovation, motorcycle hearses cater to those with a passion for motorcycles or a desire for a more unique and unconventional funeral procession. Motorcycle hearses can be personalized to reflect the preferences and personality of the deceased, for instance, by incorporating a particular brand or type of motorcycle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Having questions about hearses and their functioning is common. Some of the most commonly asked questions are the following:
Do you need to have a hearse for a funeral?
Do you really need to have a hearse at your funeral service even though hearses and funerals are often associated? No, in short. Transporting the casket to the final resting place with a hearse is not a legal or ethical obligation.
Alternative transportation options are available at some funeral homes, but they may come with an additional cost.
Can anyone drive a hearse?
A commercial driver's license is required to drive a hearse, not just anyone can do it. The average driver is not qualified for this special type of driver's license.
Furthermore, funeral homes provide specialized training to hearse drivers to ensure they are equipped to handle the distinct challenges of operating a hearse.
Who follows the hearse in a funeral procession?
In a funeral procession, the hearse is traditionally followed by the family. Sometimes, a police escort accompanies the hearse as it leads the way.
Overtaking a hearse is considered disrespectful, whether you are in the procession or driving nearby.
What do the flags mean on a hearse?
A variety of flags on a hearse is often a common sight. Special funeral flags are sometimes used if it is operating as part of a funeral procession.
For instance, The US flag is also commonly used in military funerals. Other types of flags may be used to pay tribute to an individual's military service, affiliation, or ancestry.
What does a modern hearse look like?
Modern hearses are frequently designed based on larger, luxury cars. The rear cargo areas are usually large and equipped with special tools to secure the coffin, while the windows are often tinted for privacy.
Why do hearses drive slowly?
Out of respect for the deceased and to ensure the safety of any funeral procession, hearses usually drive slowly.
Is it possible to use a hearse for purposes other than funerals?
Although hearses are mainly intended and utilized for funerals, they are sometimes used for other reasons. Vintage hearses are collected and restored by some people, and they are often featured in parades, particularly around Halloween.
Do all cultures use hearses?
Not all cultures use hearses, but they are common in many. The way funeral ceremonies are conducted differs greatly across the globe, and in certain societies, the corpse can be transported either manually, on a stretcher, or by some other means of transportation.
