Music & Rites

    Over the course of my life I have experienced many different types of rituals, celebrations, and ceremonies. In almost all of them, music has played a prominent role in one way or another. One of the best examples I can personally speak from is the ritual of a traditional, Christian funeral. 

    Though it is sad to say, I have attended many funerals in my lifetime. However, the funerals were never truly all that sad. Growing up in the Christian faith, we do not look at death as the end. Though it breaks our hearts here on earth, we know that the people we lose move on to a place where they are free of the pain and suffering they experienced here on earth. Because of this, the funerals I went to growing up were a time of rejoicing and a celebration of the life that lived, and the life that will live on. The music used in these ceremonies reflected this.

    Music played in a Christian funeral is used to help reflect and remember the life that one lived while also showing an image of what God has planned for their soul. Typically, the hymns selected consist of verses that were written to give hope. One of the most common songs like this is Amazing Grace. The reason it is used so often is because whether the listener claims to be part of the Christian church or not, it is clear that the song is meant to be reassuring and a comfort to people. Part of the reason so many traditional hymns are simple in the way they are written is so the listener can better understand those meanings without being distracted by the musicality of it. To explain that idea, the typical music setting consists of piano, organ, and singing from the congregation. As simple as it sounds, it helps make the music more impactful by being able to focus on the joy it truly brings. Because of this, the music played at these funerals is something that can bring a smile to anyone's face. Music has power, and that is shown in settings like this.

    However, the music does not always just consist of something from a hymnal. I have been to many funerals where a piece of classic rock that was important to the person being remembered was played during the reception. Similar to the hymns, it helps reflect on the person, and more so reflects on their personality. It also helps serve as something to relive a lot of stress on the people at the funeral. A place filled with grief could always use a bit of music. Whether it be a hymnal or a modern tune, music provides a sense of humanity that can serve as a distraction and an escape when sad news is around. 

    Though it is a sad topic, there is a lot of joy that can be found in the context of a Christian funeral. It is not a time of loss, but a time of remembrance and hope. The music helps drive that optimistic view on something we see as tragic, and it doesn't even have to be complicated to do so.