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Courtesy - funerals

ProfilePosted byOptionsPost Date

Katwin

Katwin Report 23 May 2004 12:36

I seem to remember something about drawing the curtains, but I think lighting a candle in the window is a really nice gesture. Other courtesies which sometimes remain today, are allowing a funeral procession of cars to pass without interruption (i.e., other cars cutting in on roundabouts, etc), and gentlemen doffing their hats as the hearse passes by. However, I don't think you are allowed to got through a red light if part of the possession has already passed in front. Kathy xx

Karen

Karen Report 16 May 2004 01:58

When my grandmother died in 1984 I saw that all the curtains were drawn so i pulled them all back only to be told I should have left them as that was a mark of respect. Ok but I was never told that and i was well into my twenties then and had no idea, I have never drawn the curtains since mind

Geoff

Geoff Report 12 May 2004 00:05

Most people these days are out at work and not around to observe these niceties.

Sue

Sue Report 11 May 2004 22:25

Yes certainly in South London they would put straw down on the road to deaden the sound of the horses hooves. I remember it happening in the 1950s and 1960s. Also most of the street closing the curtains as a mark of respect. Sue

syljo

syljo Report 11 May 2004 21:51

I thought the candle was a nice gesture. Apparently here they used to throw something on the cobbles so that the horses hooves didn't make such a clatter. Before they had cards!

PennyDainty

PennyDainty Report 11 May 2004 21:44

Yes Sylvia, I think in the main this tradition has died out (Excuse the pun!) When I was young the house where someone had died always had white blinds or sheets placed over the window and the neighbours showed their respect by pulling the blinds.

syljo

syljo Report 11 May 2004 21:40

Do the neighbours still draw their curtains when the hearse leaves the house in your street, or has this also "died a natural death" together with other norms?