Is It Appropriate To Applaud A Funeral Cortege?

[10ClarionSt]

I just saw this on TV at the funeral of Jimmy McIlroy. I know people mean well and are showing their appreciation, but it just doesn't seem right to me to be applauding a coffin. I know. It's not the coffin they're applauding, but it still doesn't seem right. These are solemn occasions aren't they?

[murraymints]

a new thing..applauding cortege and eulogy...

[Rockrose]

Funerals are for the living to remember the dead, the best funeral I ever went to was a happy jolly affair with laughter and music.

[snags]

After reading my Father's eulogy, everyone stood up and clapped and cheered. I think it was a nice thing to do.

[Cloverjo]

If it was on a tour of his town I can understand people applauding as the coffin goes by.
You wouldn't do it at a church or crematorium.

When someone has given a particularly good speech, reading or song during the service I feel it's a bit of a shame they can't be applauded.

[Cloverjo]

That's lovely, snags. Exactly what I mean.

[Sqad]

"Is It Appropriate To Applaud A Funeral Cortege?"

Depends whose funeral it is.

[Mamyalynne]

To applaud a life well lived as the cortege passes by seems appropriate to me.

[gness]

Oh yes, 10C.......to applaud and cheer the life of someone at their funeral is fantastic....x

[Jackdaw33]

After the funeral at the Vatican of a deceased pope the bier is applauded on the way to the burial. I confess I find this uncomfortable.

[murraymints]

there was a standing ovation at dad's service in the chapel...

[murraymints]

and at the walking cortege made its way to the cemetery..... the traffic stopped at the crossroads even though the lights were on green and waited for us to pass..oncoming traffic halted..it was very respectful and memorable..I will be ever grateful for such courtesey

[gness]

My uncle was a doer and helper and very much involved in the life of his community.....the church was full to standing outside too for his funeral....
When the priest said there can't be anyone here who hasn't been touched by his kindness, help and generosity everyone whooped, clapped and cheered....it was nice... :-)

[237SJ]

I`m so used to going to pop concerts and particularly the ballet where you clap every time someone does a bit of a turn that I had to suppress the urge to clap after the humanist minster said his bit at a funeral I attended last week. Times change and people show their feelings in different ways so I suppose there is nothing wrong with clapping.

[sandyRoe]

I like Sqad's answer.
I wonder who he'd applaud. :-)

[gness]

Thinking more about it... it's why the applause? At my uncle's service it was joy at having known the man.....

I went to a funeral at a crematorium once because I so wanted to see the evil sod off into the fire...and how I wish I had applauded that.. :-)

[andy-hughes]

I think the cultural evolution of such things as funerals means that clapping can now be seen as acceptable.

However, whooping like a member of the X-Factor audience remains right out!

[gness]

No it doesn't, Andy.

[10ClarionSt]

I do understand why people do it. Everyone stood up and applauded me after giving a eulogy at my sisters' funeral. I didn't expect it. I suppose people pay their respects how they think is suitable for them.

[andy-hughes]

gness - // No it doesn't, Andy. //

Well it should!

I have long despaired about the inclusion of whooping like a walrus in the mating season to general audience approval - it's dreadful!!

[10ClarionSt]

Woo Hoo! Well said Andy. I agree!