The emotional power of music makes it a natural part of funeral ceremonies, no matter which culture you belong to.

The emotional power of music makes it a natural part of funeral ceremonies. We're all familiar with certain cultural traditions, like the bagpipe music common not only in Scottish and Irish funerals but also in U.S. police funerals, a practice that became common when many officers were of recent Irish descent. Now, bagpipes are a standard part of police funerals regardless of the officer's ethnic background.

Many types of music hold a rich and storied connection to funerals. Some may be familiar, but many may not be. Below, explore five ways music and dance are used around the world to honor the dead.

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1. The Jazz Funeral (New Orleans)

These traditional New Orleans funerals tap into the early influence of brass parade bands on jazz. The music begins as a solemn, restrained march that acknowledges and expresses the grief family and friends are feeling for their lost loved one. Then, however, the music quickens and becomes jubilant, inspiring dancing, singing, and improvisation: a joyful celebration of a life well-lived and the promise of heavenly reward that moves through the streets and can attract crowds. At top, James Andrews is pictured playing in a jazz funeral for legendary bass drummer Lionel Batiste.

2. The Haka (Maori people of New Zealand)

3. Dancing Pallbearers (Ghana)

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