Why Do We Wear Black to Funerals?
When I was in High School we had a teacher who wore black every day. Rumor was she had lost her husband years ago and was always in black. As far back as I remember, we have always worn dark colors to funerals… but, Why? It is interesting to look at what the funeral homes say about what to wear, but I wanted to know why Black?
Who likes to wear a tie?
When our parents passed away, we said we wanted a celebration – it started with mom. She told us she wanted her funeral to be a celebration of life. We also wanted it to be a celebration of her transition from this life, to a life of eternity in heaven. A celebration does not usually include black, unless it is a “black tie” event! But, even then, I don’t know too many people that really enjoy wearing ties…Do you?
According to Wonderopolis.org, historians have traced this back to the ancient Romans. They would wear a dark toga, known as a toga pulla, to morn the loss of a loved one. This did not seem to catch on with other countries – many have different customs, especially in China, Asia and Africa.
Queen Elizabeth I
Many other sites reference Queen Elizabeth I’s funeral in 1603. She was an influential ruler and the longest reigning Tudor – given the name the “Elizabethan era”. Her funeral established our western tradition.
“Royal funerals were a grand spectacle meant to emphasize the vast divide between the average person and the ruling class. Such ceremonies were designed for pomp and circumstance, making a profound statement about the power of the deceased and their status in the world. During that time, dyeing clothes and fabric in black colors was quite costly and could only be achieved by extracting dye from the red roots of the herb madder and the small bluish leaves of the flower woad. In the 1300s, it was not possible for everyday people to have funerals with extravagant displays because the law prohibited them. However, the law changed when Elizabeth I died, and her funeral was allowed to be extravagant. But things started to change by the time of Elizabeth I’s funeral. People in England who were becoming more affluent were keen to wear clothing that reflected their aspirations and dreams, not just their existing circumstances. Hence, they opted to wear black during the queen’s funeral as a symbol of their respect, mourning, and loyalty to her and her legacy.”
Queen Victoria
I would have never guessed that wearing black to a funeral was a symbol of wealth! Queen Victoria apparently did not like the idea and in 1897, she wrote that she wanted a white dress – “she disliked the preponderance of funeral black; henceforward, there would be no black cloaks, drapes or canopy, and Victoria requested a white pall for her coffin.” From Wikipedia Note: This did seem to help the awareness of wearing black at funerals.
In the last few years, the emphasis seems to be around the basic principles of a somber respectful occasion. It is more about the person who is being honored as well as their family and friends. Funerals also become a reunion, a time for friends and family who have not seen each other (for some, in a long time) come together and share stories…
Celebrate
With this said, as a Christian, I do think there are 2 views: Celebrating the life of the one who has gone, and supporting those close, that are left behind. As for me, I would prefer a celebration. Maybe instead of “receiving friends”, let’s plan a “block party” to celebrate that I am finally home and those I have left still have much to be thankful for – and many to rely on, helping them to continue to grow in their faith and celebrate life.
PS – If you want a celebration, let the folks know to come … festive and ready to celebrate. But don’t always wait for someone to die to bring friends and family together for a party!!!
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The Author
Joe Locke
Welcome to the Locke Family Blog. I am Joe Locke and I manage this family blog and our genealogy. This hobby began out of curiosity and grew into a true record of the Locke family reaching back many, many generations. My hope is to continue to make these connections and share our family story with anyone who can learn from it.
