How did the custom of holding your left collar while a funeral procession passes originate?
In Britain, it used to be a common custom to hold your left collar while a funeral procession passed by. This is a sign of respect, but how did the custom originate?
Royalty - 2 Answers - 2009-11-17 16:02:19

Best Answer
I'd never heard of it but you are crossing your heart which reminded me of the playground oath "Cross my heart and hope to die" when you'd make the same gesture.. Field Guide to Gestures on Google Books says the gesture is a a remnant of making a full Christian cross and rarely seen outside Christian countries... and that crossing the heart is now used as a secular oath, and that the religious meaning has largely fallen away but is still seen in some circles.

All Answers
Answer 1
I am sure that I have heard of this custom or that just reading your question has planted the idea there.Could it be that it is for those that did not wear a hat to compensate for it?I really do not know the answer,just putting forward a suggestion.
2009-11-17 23:17:05

Answer 2
I'd never heard of it but you are crossing your heart which reminded me of the playground oath "Cross my heart and hope to die" when you'd make the same gesture.. Field Guide to Gestures on Google Books says the gesture is a a remnant of making a full Christian cross and rarely seen outside Christian countries... and that crossing the heart is now used as a secular oath, and that the religious meaning has largely fallen away but is still seen in some circles.
2009-11-21 15:12:07