Chapter 10

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Ceremony of a Lifetime—The New Orleans Jazz Funeral

 

Throughout the history of humanity, ceremonies have played very important roles in giving meaning to particular points in people's lives. Every culture, ancient and modern, small and large, has these traditional events incorporated into their society. Most ceremonies are symbolic of transition, and they often involve ritualistic acts that signal what is known as a rite of passage, or a change in a person's status in the society. Common occasions for ceremonies include celebration of birth, initiation into adulthood, marriage, and death.

 

Many large societies have subcultures, or groups of people whose activities differ from those practiced by most members of the larger group. The ceremonies these subcultures perform often reflect the unique features of their smaller society that differentiate them from others. Such is the case in the United States, where certain geographic regions of the country have very different histories than others. Many regions have developed customs that are exclusive to them.

 

Within the lively and vibrant culture of New Orleans, Louisiana, lives a rich history with African, Caribbean, French, and Spanish roots. The Creole and Cajun traditions, which combine aspects from the diverse ethnic makeup of the city, are a large part of New Orleans society. However, if there is one thing that defines New Orleans culture, it is music. Music is an important part of almost all of New Orleans life. And if there is one kind of music that New Orleans is famous for, it's jazz—specifically a type of jazz called Dixieland. This style of jazz music often features bands with many percussion (drum) and brass (horn) instruments. Dixieland jazz is upbeat and joyful, reflecting the lively American subculture that exists in New Orleans.

 

This strong musical tradition is clearly displayed in a ceremony that is entirely unique to New Orleans: the jazz funeral. The origins of this practice can be traced back to secret societies in West Africa, where people believed that certain rituals had to take place to ensure a person's safe passage into the afterlife. Like those rituals, jazz funerals in New Orleans involve a procession, or line, of mourners that accompanies the deceased person's coffin to its burial site. Also, like most funerals around the world, the jazz funeral procession begins with a dirge—a solemn, quiet tune—that is sung and played by the funeral-goers. This mournful mood continues until the person is buried. It is at this point that the New Orleans jazz funeral becomes a ceremony unlike any other in the world.

 

As mourners leave the burial site, another procession forms, and this time rejoicing begins. The brass band strikes up the joyful sounds of Dixieland jazz, and every member of the funeral procession begins to sing and dance. In a black suit, a black hat, and white gloves, the bandleader leads the band and all of the mourners in a bright march of happy spirit. Uplifting classic spiritual songs such as "When the Saints Go Marching In" and "Down by the Riverside" are customary during these processions to lighten people's mood. Family and friends of the deceased often open colorful umbrellas and use them in their dance, as the streets are alive with Dixieland jazz music.

 

The jazz funerals of New Orleans are ceremonies with deep history and significance. It is a tradition in which people join together to remember the beauty of a life well-lived and to rejoice in the deceased person's journey to a better, spiritual world. Through the brass band's Dixieland sound, the sadness of losing a loved one turns to a joyful celebration of life and transcendence.

 

 

After You Read

 

Determine the meaning of the underlined words and phrases from the context. Fill in the blank with the letter of the correct answer.

1. Common occasions for ceremonies include celebration of birth, initiation into adulthood, marriage, and death.

 

Initiation = _________

A)formal admission or acceptance

B)falling backward

C)a contract

 

2. The ceremonies these subcultures perform often reflect the unique features of their smaller society that differentiate them from others.

 

Differentiate = _________

A)to cause harm

B)to make very aware

C)to set apart

 

3. Such is the case in the United States, where certain geographic regions of the country have very different histories than others. Many regions have developed customs that are exclusive to them.

 

Exclusive to = _________

A)welcoming toward

B)excited by

C)particular to

 

4. Within the lively and vibrant culture of New Orleans, Louisiana, lives a rich history with African, Caribbean, French, and Spanish roots.

 

Vibrant = _________

A)ancient

B)boring

C)energetic

 

5. Also, like most funerals around the world, the jazz funeral procession begins with a dirge—a solemn, quiet tune- that is sung and played by the funeral-goers. This mournful mood continues until the person is buried.

 

Mournful = _________

A)expressing sorrow or grief

B)showing deep thought

C)sleepy

 

6. Uplifting classic spiritual songs such as "When the Saints Go Marching In" and "Down By The Riverside" are customary during these processions to lighten people's mood.

 

Uplifting = _________

A)heavy

B)providing hope or inspiration

C)fast and rhythmic