The Importance Of 'a Cord'

[Butterbun]

A recent funeral, Cord 1 and cord 2 to the 2 brothers, cord 3 to sister's husband, cord 4 and 5 to the two best friends and herein lies the question. Which one gets 4 and which one gets 5. Both decided they were the 'first' best friend and should get cord no.4. One eventually calmed down and accepted no.5 Nos 6,7,8 were taken without a fuss and things proceeded but the matter didn't end there. So why is so important? Does anyone know?

[DTCwordfan]

Because the centre of the coffin bears the weight and which shoulder to take it on?

[Ric.ror]

Oh I thought it was a trick question

[Butterbun]

I don't think that's how no.5 saw it. We all went for refreshments at the hotel and he was telling anyone he could corner why he should have been no4. His face was like thunder. I've never seen gents of a certain age behaving like this at a funeral before.

[Ken4155]

I've had the honour of carrying my father and 3 friends on high to their final resting place, and on each occasion i was front left or front right. On the 3 occasions i carried friends, i was in front of sons, brothers and other relatives. The reason being is that the most sensible placement is normally used and that is size, with the smallest at the front. And not once was any objection raised.

[Ken4155]

^^

Should've read the post correctly:-( Though i have to agree, divebuddy, i cannot recall a funeral i've attended where the coffin was lowered by anyone other than the officials.

[Butterbun]

I didn't say they lowered it, there were the officials there and I wasn't standing too close. Just that the gent wasn't pleased being no5 when he thought he should have been given no.4 but the height thing would explain it, he was the shorter of the two. Thanks for your input.

[Barmaid]

Sounds Scottish to me. At a recent family funeral there was hell of a set to about the cords. No idea why but I am a mere sassenach