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Providing music to lament the passing of a loved one is a central role of the piper. The last few cars find parking places. Faint familiar sounds of everyday life are ringing in the crisp, clear air autumnal season. Almost imperceptibly, mutely colored fallen leaves rustle in the air. Quiet sobbing and subdued murmurs cannot be ignored. There is an indescribable longing for inner peace and a place of refuge. Then, a distant, yet comforting drone begins. It is deep and sonorous as it slowly masks the sounds of the city and the bereaved. There is someone playing the bagpipes as if it were played for every broken heart. There is a remembrance of life and a longing to celebrate that life. With each powerful note, the sadness of loss seems somewhat lifted aloft, if only briefly. The melody slowly fades to a soft, background hymn and the comforting voice of the officiant brings a sense of holiness and initial healing. The sun breaks through low scattered clouds and all feel the warmth of the loved one now departed. It is no longer a funeral service, but a celebration of life. Over the past thousand years, the bagpipes' music has carried itself from the Middle East and to Scotland and Ireland. The bagpipes found their home in these countries and began to integrate into the culture of these peoples. This musical instrument was the center of celebrations and memorials. The bagpipes followed the Scottish and Irish immigrants to America where it has become symbolic of healing and beauty in times of trial. Even in contemporary times, bagpipes retain the emotive capacity to affect us. Some proponents still claim its notes would lift the departed’s spirit up to Heaven’s Gates.
Providing bagpipe music to lament the passing of a loved one is a central role of the bagpiper. In this difficult time, it is important to
honor the wishes of the family, and especially the deceased, in their desire to have a bagpiper for their memorial service.
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