Funeral history: how hearses came to be

Funeral services include transporting the body of the deceased to the burial site, but have you ever wondered how modern hearses came into existence? A hearse is a vehicle used to transport coffins, and its name originates from the French word catafalque, meaning “harrow.” How are harrows related to coffins? In the past, coffins were covered with a spiked metal framework into which candles were placed. It is believed that because these spikes resembled the teeth of a harrow, the name originated from this similarity.

Today, you can choose from simple vehicles to impressive horse-drawn carriages or even electric hearses. At the funerals of well-known individuals, extravagant vintage cars can often be seen, reflecting the personality and style of the deceased. “Vilniaus laidojimo namai” explore how hearses originated and what they may look like in the future.

The First Hearsess Were Simple Carts

In earlier times, before hearses existed, bodies were transported using hand-drawn carts. From the 17th century onward, these carts gradually evolved into horse-drawn carriages. Initially, horse-drawn hearses were reserved only for the very wealthy, as those living in poverty could not afford them. Over time, this changed, and hearses drawn by horses became more widely used. They were mounted on frames that prevented the coffin from slipping, and glass panels were installed on the sides.

During the Victorian era, when elaborate mourning traditions developed and coffins, funerals, and other ceremonial elements became highly ornate, the design of hearses also reflected this grandeur. Each hearse resembled a work of art. Covered with heavy velvet drapes and adorned with intricate carvings, they captured everyone’s attention not only for their decoration but also for their size. The largest Victorian hearse was built in 1895 — over four meters high, 6.5 meters long, and weighing more than three tons. Meanwhile, in North America, hearses were less ornate, which made them quicker to produce and therefore more widely used.

The First Motorized Hearsess

In the 20th century, the first motorized hearses appeared. They were first introduced in the United States. In 1908, the General Vehicle Company in New York produced the first electric hearse. It featured a four-cylinder engine generating 30 horsepower. By the 1980s, gasoline-powered vehicles became widely accessible, and funeral directors realized that having motorized transportation would allow them to conduct more funerals and increase revenue. As a result, many funeral homes invested in hearses.

The classic hearse design we recognize today was developed by the company “Sayers and Scovill.” It featured a more streamlined shape and design, resembling a luxury limousine rather than a vehicle for transporting remains. Today, hearses are also used to transport urns, which are secured on a special base and placed inside the vehicle.

You may not know that there is no car manufacturer in the world dedicated exclusively to producing hearses. However, there are coachbuilders who specialize in their production. Interestingly, hearses are handcrafted, and “Cadillac” and “Lincoln” are among the most popular hearse brands in North America.

Electric Hearsess – Our Future

Today, funeral homes even offer environmentally friendly electric hearses. In 2018, Norwegian designer Jan Erik Naley converted a Tesla Model S into a hearse. A few years ago, the Dutch company “Van der Lans & Busscher Staatsievervoer” ordered modified Tesla Model S hearses from “RemetzCar.” These hearses are said to be exceptionally quiet and environmentally friendly.

If you are looking for an ultra-modern solution, you might be intrigued by autonomous hearses equipped with holographic projectors. The Montreal-based (Canada) non-profit organization “Imaginactive” designed a concept for a self-driving hearse. Imagine a vehicle driving itself, with a hologram of your image displayed above it and your favorite song playing. Sounds like something out of a futuristic movie, doesn’t it?