Why Are Bagpipes Played at Funerals?
Bagpipes are played at funerals for policemen and firefighters across the United States. Irish immigrants introduced this tradition to the country.
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History
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Commoners and peasants have been playing bagpipes since ancient times. Bagpipes appeared in Ireland after the Anglo-Norman invasion in 1206.
Celtic Revival
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Bagpipes fell out of favor in Ireland in the late 16th century. In the late 19th century, a Celtic revival prompted renewed Irish interest in bagpipes, which were still in use in Scotland. The Irish started using them at weddings, dances and funerals.
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Immigrants
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A mass exodus of Irish immigrants after the Great Potato Famine brought Irish traditions to the United States.
Police and Fire
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Irish immigrants, unable to find work, had to take up dangerous jobs as firefighters and policemen. The great number of Irish police and firefighters made the tradition of bagpipes at funerals an American tradition.
Emerald Society
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The National Conference of Law Enforcement Emerald Societies was founded in 1995 and represents funeral bagpipers across the United States. They are named Emerald Societies in honor of Ireland, the Emerald Isle.
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