BRIGHTNESS IN FUNERALS

Manawatu Times, Volume LIII, Issue 6536, 17 February 1928, Page 8

BRIGHTNESS IN FUNERALS

NEW AMERICAN -FASHIONS REMARKABLE INNOVATIONS NEW YORK, Jan. 33. Bright colour and music feature the modern American funeral, in striking contrast to the note of gloom pervading funerals of 20 and 30 years ago. The movement for brighter funerals was initiated some time ago by one of New York's leading undertakers, and is gaining favour with other members of the trade and the public as well. Formely, the paintings and ornaments in the room where the dead v.as laid in repose wore hung wir.u black crepe, and the floor was covered with a black rug, provided for the occasion by the undertaker. Those rugs had been placed on hundreds of floors of ail stages of cleanliness and uncleanliness, and were found to be a nesting place for germs. They are now conspicuous by their absence, and, in their stead is a soft luxurious carpet of rich texture and coloring. In one corner of the funeral parlour is a gilt piano, on which the favourite songs of the dead may bo played. Ou the walls arc bright, colourful paintings of attractive landcapcs, children at play or young couples a-wooing. The revolution extends to dross at funerals. The black frock coat, high choker, and black tie are no more. Gone arc the ‘‘mutes”. Undertakers, officiating at funerals, now wear the same clothes as at a wedding. The coffin, too, has changed. Gone is the plain wooden box, painted black, with its plain white or black pillows and slumber robes. In its place is an elaborate casket of old rose Or baby blue colour, enriched, in some cases, with dark blue and gold- brocade. The slumber robes arc of colour to match, an are embroidered and docked out with attractive ruffles.