In much of the world, the rituals surrounding death are largely based on the celebration of life, both that of the deceased and that of those who remain. Perhaps nowhere on Earth is this more pronounced than in the Big Easy. New Orleans is a city of extremes, with the motto Laissez les Bon Temps Roulez, or Let the Good Times Roll. Blending traditions dating back to ancient Africa with the music for which the city is famous, New Orleans has developed a funeral ritual all its own: the jazz funeral.
Jazz funerals are not extremely common today, but are still practiced on a semi-regular basis, particularly for members of Mardi Gras krewes, local musicians and old New Orleans families. Anyone can have a jazz funeral, however. The funerals are customized for each family, but generally follow a basic pattern.
The band and the family (on foot) lead the procession, which generally begins at the church or funeral home. Many families select a traditional horse-drawn hearse, although a modern funeral car can also be used. Other mourners often join the procession on foot.
On the way to the cemetery, somber songs are played. This is the time to mourn the passing of a loved one. At the cemetery, the body is interred. At this point, the music changes. Upbeat songs are played in celebration of life. The funeral procession becomes a Second Line, a sort of impromptu parade that is also prevalent at weddings and other events. Dance is common, often a sort of frenzied cathartic dance. Onlookers and passersby are invited to join in the parade and dancing.
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Although this sort of celebration of life may seem shocking to those whose funeral rituals are hallmarked by grieving, it is not unusual worldwide. From the Irish wake to the African spiritual celebrations, funerals in many cultures recognize the healing power of celebration. In a city whose history has been marked by hurricanes, plagues and fires, it is perhaps only natural that New Orleans would have developed such a moving way of recognizing its deceased.