What Is a Catafalque Party?
A Catafalque Party Is a Guard, Usually of Four People, That Stands Watch over the Coffin and Catafalque of a Distinguished Person or over a Significant...
A catafalque party is a guard, usually of four people, that stands watch over the coffin and catafalque of a distinguished person or over a significant monument. A catafalque is a raised platform or bier supporting a coffin for display before burial.
Why is it called a catapult party?
A catafalque is a raised platform or bier supporting a coffin for display before burial. Historically, a guard was placed around the coffin to prevent any interference of the body during the period of lying in state. The guard was referred to as a catafalque party, and was therefore always armed.
What is a catafalque party and what is their purpose?
A catafalque is a raised structure supporting a stand that usually holds a coffin to allow mourners to file past and pay their last respects. A watch or catafalque party was traditionally mounted around the coffin to ensure the safety of the body while it lay in state.
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