L R Collins - Bagpipes in Lubbock, Texas, Surrounding Area, and Eastern New Mexico
L R Collins - Bagpipes in Lubbock, Texas, Surrounding Area, and Eastern New Mexico
Why are bagpipes played at funerals?
As immigration into the United States from Ireland flourished in the mid-nineteenth century due to the Great Potato Famine, only the most dangerous of jobs were offered to these new immigrants. Two of the most common jobs to be held by the Irish (or more generally Celtic) workers were in the Police and Fire Departments. The early police and fire departments of the United States contained many members of Scottish and Irish descent.
Work-related deaths were common. These workers were traditionally given a traditional funeral as they would have received in their home country. The Bagpipes have always been an important part of Celtic cultures. While the Irish and Scottish bagpipes are different, they nonetheless are Celtic bagpipes.
As a result of the death of John F. Kennedy, bagpiping was introduced to the entire country as a way to honor the life of the departed one.
Today it is perfectly acceptable for anyone to be honored by the playing of bagpipes regardless of nationality or profession.
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