Music in Rituals: the Gospel Truth

Everyone should be fairly familiar with rituals, right? They're these things you do that are similar to and/or could be, traditions. For example, say you're part of a sports team. And before every game you guys always do this handshake or you never wash your socks (and yes, some people do believe this brings good luck), that is called a ritual.  A more familiar ritual you might know of, is when it's someone's birthday and you instinctively know to sing, "Happy Birthday!" which is almost always followed with cake and ice cream.

I've had multiple opportunities to attend all sorts of rituals! Birthdays, Baptism/Christenings, Weddings, Anniversaries, even Proms. But the one I find myself most drawn to, would be Funerals. I know, weird right? But in actuality, it's not.

I grew up Baptist in the South, so I've seen my fair share of funerals. Usually how it goes, is the immediate family sits in the front rows, while the rest of the family sit behind them. And on the other side there's friends. Everyone is dressed in muting dark colors (usually black, some grays, blue rarely). Everyone's mourning, and it's just a very sad occasion.

But one thing that makes this ritual more memorable....is the music. In particular Black American gospel music.

At funerals, (specifically the ones I've attended), there's always a gospel choir. They sing a total of three songs: one while the family comes in, one right before the Pastor preaches, and one while the family views the body and is leaving.

The first song is used for getting the family in. It's usually an upbeat song that the choir sings to get the people moving. Depending on the crowd size, the song will continuously play on until everyone is in and ready to go.

The second song can be either slow or fast. It's used to get the crowd ready to hear the Preacher's word. The event is at it's peak during this time. Sometimes if requested, it'll be the deceased favorite gospel song.

And lastly, the third song. After the Preacher has said their word, they'll instruct the audience in order by pews to come view the body. During this, the choir sings a song that leaves the family with hope that they're loved one is in a better place.

You see, this event starts off gloomy and depressing but ends with uplifted spirits. Sure, the heartache is still there, but funerals are a way of saying your last goodbye. 

And on that note, thank you for reading my blog! Until, next time!

Below I've added some of my favorite gospel songs that are often sung at funerals. Recognize any of them?