The tradition of the second line parades was borrowed from modern jazz funeral parades held in New Orleans. In order to understand the second line the jazz funeral needs to be expanded on. Brass bands began to perform at funerals in the late 1800's making them "jazz funerals". Music is a key component to New Orleans culture that it is used to celebrate life; whether it is a wedding or the passing of a loved one. When the church service was over, the entire congregation walked from the church to the cemetery with the brass band playing slow mournful music led by a Grand Marshall. On the way back the music became more joyful and it became a celebration of the deceased person's life; the music and dancing represents the release and goodbye of the deceased. Friends, acquaintances and even family would form a second line behind the grieving immediate family (called the first line) and they would dance and sing, usually waving umbrellas and handkerchief's in the air as they danced on the streets. I'm not quite sure how the umbrella and handkerchief became part of this tradition but I honestly think it was to shield the funeral procession from the hot New Orleans sun as they walked/danced in the parade.
This second line was then incorporated into a modern day New Orleans wedding tradition and the key components are 1) brass band, 2) guests waving handkerchiefs, 3) the bride and groom usually wave his/hers umbrellas, 4) and last but not least some dancing. Sometimes alchohol is usually added to the mix! The umbrellas are specially decorated for the day; they incorporate embellishments such as lace, flowers, ribbons, and sequins to make them extra festive. You can either have a second line from the church to the reception site or at the end of the wedding festivities leading the guests out of the reception site dancing into the streets.
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