And I Shall Wear a Crown
The Crowning Ceremony in African American Funerals
Grief is a complicated emotion. A person’s response to a loss can be affected by their relationship to the deceased, the circumstances of the loss, and a person’s spiritual beliefs, among other factors. And though the funeral is just the first step of many toward healing from a loss, it plays a vital role in providing space where the complexity of grief can be experienced and expressed.
African American funeral traditions have always embraced the multifaceted nature of funerals. Our homegoing ceremonies exist to allow mourners to feel and express the full range of emotions that could accompany a loss: sorrow, longing, anger, relief, and even joy.
One tradition unique to African American funerals is the crowning ceremony, which we offer as part of our Pipkin Braswell farewell signature services.
The Meaning of the Crowning Ceremony
“I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.”
2 Timothy 4:7-8
The funeral crowning ceremony is a way to celebrate a life of faith. For Christians, it represents the belief in an eternal reward for a life well-lived. It’s a symbolic way of celebrating a person and raising them in glory, treating them with the dignity and honor that their life deserves.
As a tradition, it’s also a link to our heritage. Even for people who don’t resonate with the spiritual elements of the ceremony, the crowning is something unique to our culture and identity. Reaffirming our traditions can strengthen the bonds of community and bring comfort to everyone present for the service.
What to Expect at a Funeral Crowning Ceremony
The crowning ceremony takes place at the funeral service after the visitation period. Once the mourners have had an opportunity to see their loved one’s body and say goodbye, music will begin to signal the beginning of the crowning.
The song played during the crowning is up to you. A common choice is the hymn “I Shall Wear a Crown,” but you can choose a different hymn or another song that holds special meaning for your family or your loved one.
While the music plays, a member of our team will approach the casket, holding a crown aloft and marching in step with the music. This crown symbolizes the one your loved one will receive in Heaven. The crown will be placed on your loved one’s brow or on top of the casket. Then the funeral service will proceed with a sermon, eulogies, a memorial slideshow, or other elements to honor your loved one’s life.
A Beautiful and Meaningful Homegoing
It’s important that every funeral be as unique as the life it honors. When you contact Pipkin Braswell mortuary to begin planning a funeral, we will take the time to get to know your loved one’s story and help you pick out the details that will best reflect and celebrate their life.
From personalizing the décor to helping you with a funeral program and obituary to choosing music, we’ll be with you every step of the way to ensure your loved one can be sent home in style and dignity.
