Providing music to lament the passing of a loved one is the piper's central role

Then, a distant, yet comforting drone begins. It is deep and sonorous as it slowly masks the sounds of the city and the bereft. There is someone playing the bagpipes as if it were being played for every broken heart. There is a remembrance of life and a longing to celebrate that life with vivacity.

With each powerful note, the sadness of loss seems somewhat lifted aloft, if only briefly. The melody slowly fades to a soft, background lament 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 has become a celebration of life.

Over the past thousand years, the bagpipes' music has carried itself from the Middle East and on to Ireland and Scotland. The bagpipes found their home in these countries and were integrated into the culture of these peoples.

This musical instrument was the center of celebrations and memorials. The bagpipes followed Scottish and Irish immigrants to America where they have become symbolic of healing and beauty in times of trial and tribulation. And in contemporary times, bagpipes still retain the emotive capacity to affect us. Tradition claims its notes are heard in Heaven and can direct the departed’s spirit towards the afterlife.