Musings on a French-Canadian funeral
Tuesday, August 13, 2024
Because of Shane's work schedule, he could not attend, so the girls and I went in his place.
The funeral was held at a funeral home in Dieppe, NB and the parking lot was jammed full, so we followed others parking on the grass.
We went through the main entrance but amongst the arriving crowds we couldn't find a seat. We went back out the door and reentered through another entrance which took us to the reception area, bathrooms and a view of the main chape room. No seats were available.
The girls and I ended up sitting on a cushioned bench in the columbarium part where we could hear the service, but not see the platform or any of the service.
And the entire service was in French.
Others were sitting in this overflow area but could see the platform.
It became very quiet and then suddenly the service opened with a very unexpected musical selection, I Feel the Earth by Carol King. It was played at a boisterous volume and a few time-keeping hand-clapping kicked in for little bit before tapering. Apparently a relative got up and danced a few steps before sitting back down.
It was amazing and that spirit of life and joy was matched by the Master of Ceremonies, the deceased's husband who spoke to those in attendance with emotion and apparent humor as many of the different times he spoke in French elicited laughs. Many laughs.
There was a Catholic priest who also led the service through a funeral rite of sorts which included prayers in which those in attendance stood several different times. And two different congregational recitations occurred, one of which was undoubtedly The Lord's Prayer. Also another instance in which the congregation gave a repeated response to the priest's speaking.
Other pop hits were played included James Taylor, You've Got a Friend and two songs sung in French all pre-recorded. The last song was a solo recording on a guitar by a man. When the song ended, everyone clapped and gave the recorded performance, a standing ovation.
As a Catholic-Christian funeral, it was truly unusual for me. The laughter from the eulogies and master of ceremonies, the selection of music played, and the overall enjoyment of being together was provocative.
Why are funerals so somber and filled with pietistic silences, broken by whispering coupled with bad hymns and dirge-y organ music?
If Christians are the victorious ones, why are our funerals dismal and boring?
Why are our favorite songs not played even if they are not hymns?
Why is laughter not more common at a funeral service?
Do non-Christians honor their dead better than Christians who believe in the Resurrection?
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