Evolution of the Second Line

It is at the cemetery as the funeral comes to a close and the deceased is laid to rest, that the spirit of the Second Line begins. It is a reminder to the living that even in death there is rejoicing. The strong spiritual beliefs of the African Americans remind them that the deceased has left the pain of this life and gone on to a better place (The Late 1800’s). As the band strikes up an upbeat tempo with a tune, or possibly hymn, the Second Line begins to form. The music invites the crowd of onlookers to participate (Firm). The Main Line breaks out into a lively jive waving their handkerchiefs. The handkerchiefs originally carried due to grief and sobbing over their loved one may now be waved in the air. The umbrella initially carried for protection from the sun now becomes a festive symbol (Firm). Exuberance is sensed within the parade of Second Liners, it permeates emotionally into the byways to influence those passing by. This is the moment where the truth of Proverbs 14:13 rings true: “Even in laughter the heart may be in pain / And the end of joy may be grief (Holy Bible). The passionate joy grows into a frenzied ecstasy of happiness within the crowd of Second Liners. It will be this brief time of elation for the mourners that will help carry them through the difficult days of grief to come.

Nowadays the Second Line is no longer limited to Jazz Funerals, or just African Americans. The Second Line has independently evolved becoming a notable piece of modern New Orleans. “If you have ever been at a truly Southern wedding or on the streets of New Orleans, then the chances are likely that you had the opportunity to see or be part of a second line parade complete with a brass band, handkerchiefs and of course, umbrellas” (Firm). Second Lines are used to celebrate almost any event in New Orleans. People in New Orleans love a party and love a good excuse to have a party. If you have never experienced a Second Line, I suggest you head on down to New Orleans and find out what the fun is all about. I guarantee you will have the time of your life. Until next time ''Laissez les bon temps rouler'' – ''Let the Good Times Roll!''

Watch a New Orleans Jazz Funeral by clicking the link below!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EG6KH905cGU&NR=1

Photo Obtained from: www.Flickr.com

Work Cited:

1800s, The Late. "Did You Know." Hurricane Brassband. 01 Apr. 2010. Web. 03 July 2010.

Firm, A. Grading. "Bridal Parasols and Mardi Gras Second Line Umbrellas."EBay Reviews & Guides. 04 Apr 2010. Web. 03 July 2010.

Holy Bible: New American Standard Bible. [Nashville, Tenn.]: Nelson Bibles, 2006. Print.