Does a casket go in the hearse feet first? - Resto NYC (2024)

Quick Answer

Yes, caskets are typically loaded into hearses with the deceased’s feet facing the front. This tradition originated in the days of horse-drawn hearses, when pallbearers would carry the casket feet first so they were walking forward, rather than backwards. It also enables mourners to view the deceased’s face and upper body during funeral processions. While some cultures and religions place the deceased’s head facing the hearse’s front, feet first remains the standard practice today.

The Reasons for Loading a Casket Feet First

There are several practical reasons why caskets are loaded into hearses with the deceased’s feet facing the front:

Easier for Pallbearers

Carrying a casket feet first enables pallbearers to walk forward as they load it into the hearse. Walking backwards while carrying a heavy casket would be awkward and increase the risk of stumbling or dropping it. Feet first allows pallbearers to see where they are going and have better control.

Viewing During Procession

With the casket’s end panel facing the hearse’s rear window, mourners can view the deceased’s upper body and face during funeral processions. This provides a last chance to see their loved one before final burial or cremation.

Easier Access for Funeral Directors

Loading the casket feet first positions the head end closest to the hearse’s rear doors. This allows funeral directors easier access when adjusting flowers, opening the half couch (lower panel) for viewing, securing the casket, and performing other tasks.

Tradition and Familiarity

Feet first loading is “just how it’s done” in the funeral industry. Very few people have seen a casket loaded into a hearse any other way. Following this standard practice provides a sense of tradition and normalcy during an emotional time.

The Origin of the Custom

The practice of loading caskets feet first originated in the era of horse-drawn hearses. Pallbearers would carry the casket out of the church or funeral home feet first and load it the same way onto the rear-facing coach box:

So this practical custom became standard as motorized hearses replaced horse-drawn carriages. Today, pallbearers frequently load caskets into hearses using wheeled church trucks or casket carriages. But feet first remains the tradition, even though the original reasons no longer apply.

Exceptions and Symbolic Meanings

While feet first is the norm, some cultures and religions have different practices:

Judaism

Jewish tradition calls for caskets to be carried and loaded with the deceased’s head toward the hearse’s front. This symbolizes the deceased being carried gently to their final resting place.

Eastern Religions

In Hindu, Buddhist, and some Asian cultures, mourners carry and load the casket with the head first. This symbolizes the soul of the deceased leading the way into the afterlife.

Military Funerals

Fallen military members are transported feet first except in funeral processions, when the casket is reversed. This allows them to be carried out of the hearse head first to symbolize them continuing to lead in death.

Firefighters

The caskets of fallen firefighters are loaded into hearses head first to symbolize them continuing to ride backwards, as they did on the fire truck.

Police Officers

Police officers’ caskets are loaded head first to allow their badge to be seen from the rear window. This continues a tradition from when they walked foot patrol.

So while feet first remains standard, symbolism and tradition sometimes override practicality. Funeral directors work closely with families to accommodate their wishes.

Does Orientation Matter with Modern Hearses?

While the feet first tradition originated from practical necessity, it remains meaningful even with modern front-wheel drive hearses. Some symbolic reasons it continues today:

• Honors historical precedent and the mourning family’s expectations
• The deceased can “see” where they are going
• Enables forward-facing crucifix symbols to be viewed
• Maintains orientation used by embalmers and funeral home staff

And some practical considerations:

• Hearse rear compartment often tailored for feet first loading
• Easier access to casket hardware and floral displays
• Casket weight remains centered over rear axle
• Simpler logistics for funeral directors

So while modern hearses don’t require feet first loading, the tradition remains integral to contemporary funerals.

Special Cases When Head First May Occur

While uncommon, there are some instances when funeral directors may load a casket into a hearse head first:

Oversized Caskets

Extra wide or long caskets may not fit feet first, especially in older model hearses. Loading head first angles the shoulders to fit the casket.

Rear Door Hearses

Rare older hearses with rear doors may require head first loading for the doors to function properly.

Family Preference

Some families may request the casket be loaded head first for religious or personal reasons. Funeral directors accommodate these requests whenever feasible.

Transportation From Rear

When the deceased will be transferred from the hearse’s rear compartment, head first makes this process easier.

So while extremely rare, practical needs or family wishes can outweigh tradition in special cases.

Steps for Loading a Casket Into a Hearse

Loading the casket feet first into a hearse is a solemn, dignified process typically involving the following steps:

1. Hearse is parked as close to funeral home door as possible.
2. Casket is wheeled onto church truck or casket carriage.
3. Pallbearers line up in two rows facing hearse rear.
4. On cue, pallbearers lift and carry casket feet first to hearse.
5. Casket is gently slid feet first into hearse compartment.
6. Pallbearers move casket so feet end touches front of compartment.
7. Funeral director secures casket in place for transport.
8. Flowers and other funeral items are loaded around casket.
9. Rear door is closed and hearse proceeds to cemetery.

This dignified loading process remains essentially unchanged for decades. Funeral directors choreograph each step to create a smooth, seamless tribute.

Special Considerations for Cremations

For cremation services, the deceased is transported in a cardboard cremation container rather than a casket. These containers are designed to fit modern cremation ovens.

There are no set rules for loading cremains containers into hearses. They are small and light enough for one person to easily carry and load. Some considerations are:

• Cremains container may be loaded either feet or head first.
• Funeral home staff may privately load without ceremony.
• Pallbearers may carry publicly if family prefers.
• Cremains can face front or rear window at family’s discretion.

So loading orientation is flexible with cremations. The funeral director consults the family’s wishes to determine the appropriate process.

Conclusion

While no longer a functional necessity, loading the casket feet first into the hearse remains a time-honored tradition. Originating from practical reasons in the horse-drawn era, it continues today to maintain dignity, symbolism, and consistency for mourners. Funeral directors are careful to follow each family’s wishes, but feet first remains standard practice in most modern funerals. This thoughtful custom provides a final tribute as loved ones are transported to their final resting place.