01/09/2025
Have you ever passed a funeral cortege and noticed somebody walking at the front of the Hearse?! Have you ever wondered who they are or what they are doing?! 🤔
Well, that person is the Funeral Director and by walking infront of the Hearse they are 'paging'.
Paging is the process of walking ahead of the Hearse at a slow, ceremonial pace and is done for a number of reasons as outlined below;
* Clearing the route. By paging Funeral Directors make other road users aware that a funeral cortege is approaching thus affording them time to slow down, stop or to allow extra room.
* Guiding the procession. Paging helps to guide and direct the funeral cortege and gives clear direction to the Hearse Driver. Paging can be particularly helpful when roads or service venues are difficult to navigate.
* Respect. Paging marks the solemnity of the occasion and, by paging the Funeral Director makes a symbolic gesture of respect for the deceased on their final journey.
Paging is typically done as the cortege leaves the funeral home, as the cortege arrives at a house address, leaving that house address and finally on arrival at the service venue.
As the Hearse draws level with the Funeral Director they, along with any other staff, chapel attendants, celebrants or Ministers will bow to the coffin.
