What does the term "cortege" refer to in the context of funerals?

The term "cortege" specifically refers to the funeral procession, which is the organized movement of vehicles or participants accompanying the deceased from one location to another, often from the service venue to the burial site or crematorium. This procession signifies the respect accorded to the deceased and offers an opportunity for mourners to pay their final respects as they accompany the casket or urn. The cortege typically includes family members, friends, and mourners, and it can be marked by various traditions, including the use of hearse, limousines, or other vehicles, often decorated to honor the life of the deceased. This use of processional gatherings is a longstanding custom in many cultures and highlights the communal aspect of grief and remembrance.