Deville, LA Funeral Homes | Funeral Services

Deville, LO has a population of around 4,4M. In a home where jazz is king, it is no wonder that the music has influenced many of the state's customs including those practiced by Deville, LO funeral homes. This is particularly true when it comes to the city of New Orleans. In such a city, Deville, LO funeral services may feature a New Orleans Jazz Funeral.
What is a New Orleans Jazz Funeral?
Essentially, a New Orleans Jazz Funeral is one in which a marching jazz or Dixieland band is one in which music in the form of a marching band starts the service. It is one in which dancing and live music act as major components of these Deville, LO funeral services. Those most likely to receive one are musicians. They are usually African-American. Fallen police officers may also have this type of funeral parade. A more recent trend is to hold a New Orleans Jazz Funeral for young people who die in a tragic manner.
What Occurs in a Jazz Funeral?
The funeral service begins with a procession of family and friends preceded by a brass band - at this point playing somber music usually hymns or traditional dirges. The starting point is the deceased's residence, the church or the funeral home. The march continues towards the cemetery. The followers maintain a solemn character. The hearse is part of the parade. In may be a horse drawn carriage. It could also be a black motor hearse.
Dancing and lively music does not occur until after the deceased leaves the procession. First, a spiritual is executed as swing. Frequently, a trendier tune - a popular jazz tune or, today, a rap tune follows it. The mood from a somewhat somber, if unusual variation of Deville, LO funeral services, has now begun to metamorphose into something different.
At this point, the procession may grow as more people - some attracted by the music openly join the funeral parade. The music becomes energetic and the dancers throb into life. Some stick to the traditional and walk twirling their parasols; others become actively engaged.
What is the Origin and History?
The heritage of a jazz funeral does not lie within the realm of traditional Deville, LO funeral homes. The chanting, use of drums, tambourines, dancing and other musical elements reflect its African roots. This was the way many African tribes helped release the spirit from its earthly bonds. It was their way of helping release the soul/spirit and sending it on its way. Yet, the formation of the music in a band indicates European influences including those of the military brass bands.
Originally, the white Americans rejected this form of funeral service. The African-Americans of New Orleans, particularly the New Orleans Protestants, embraced it. It soon became the funeral service of choice for both the less advantaged of the city and its musicians. Yet, in spite of the initial rejection by the Catholic Church and white Americans, the tradition not only grew, it began to evolve.
The Twentieth Century
The 20th century saw the jazz funeral undergo difficulties and reach highs. Its popularity increased until the arrival of World War I. The intensity and wildness of the music built. This caused a backlash in certain sectors of society. They felt the rifting jazz was disrespectful. To them, it clearly did not reflect the best Deville, LO funeral homes could offer.
As the world became involved in the turbulent 1960s, however, the jazz funeral became more accepted. In fact, it began to be a part of a variety of different ethnic and religious groups Deville, LO funeral services. In the late 1970s, the Dirty Dozen Brass Band (1977) was formed. It has since go on to become one of the best-known of the city's funerary jazz bands.
The Jazz Funeral of the Twenty-First Century
In the 21st century, the music of the jazz funeral has undergone an adaptive change. It now features a fusion of the street music of hip-hop and rap with the traditional vibes of jazz, gospel, traditional hymns and rhythm and blues. In 2003, this new type of jazz funeral became clear with the burial of murdered rapper James "Soulja Slim" Tapp (1977-2003).
Yet the jazz funeral everyone in Deville, LO will remember is the one occurring on August 29, 2006. This was done in memory of all the victims of Hurricane Katrina in Deville, LO and Mississippi. Mayor Ray Nagain and Lt. Gen. Russel Honoré acted in the role of family. They led the procession consisting of the traditional brass band in addition to the National Guard and fire trucks. The accompanying coffin was empty.
Reflecting on the Customs of Deville, LO Funeral Homes
The burial customs of Deville, LO and, specifically, New Orleans, are quite unique. To an extent, they do not fall into line with traditional funeral rites. Yet, they do reflect a newer trend becoming common among many Deville, LO funeral homes - one of celebrating the life of the deceased. However, in its function to honor the deceased, jazz funerals do not differ from either their modern or traditional counterparts. Like all death rites, Deville, LO funeral services act as a source of comfort for the families of the deceased. Talk to us about your needs and we would be happy to help you arrange a memorable send-off for your loved one.