Has this ever happened to you? You’re lying awake at night, unable to sleep. The events of the day are swirling around in your head, and suddenly you find yourself wondering where the term “hearse” came from. Me neither. And, thanks to this article, you never will.

  The word “Hearse” comes to us from the word “Wolf”. How you ask? That probably wasn’t your response, but I’m going to tell you anyway.

  Well to start with, in ancient southern Italy, a triangular rake with iron teeth protruding underneath was known as a “Hirpex”.

  Here’s where it gets good, he says with a straight face.

  In old France, the Latin word “Hirpex” was changed to “Herce” and its meaning changed to refer to a triangular structure, disassociating it with the rake and its teeth.

  In 13th century England, the term “Herce” was changed to “Hearse”. Hearse referred to the triangular framework Christians used for holding candles during certain religious ceremonies. This candle holder was an upright isosceles triangle and is a symbol for the trinity: Father, Son and Holy Ghost.

  Over time, the “Hearse” started being hung over the coffin during funeral services. In the 16th century, the term further evolved, referring then to the cloth placed over the coffin during the service. A century later, it came to mean the stand on which the coffin was placed or the structure around the coffin.

  Eventually Hearse came to mean the vehicle specifically designed to carry the coffin from the funeral service to the cemetery or final resting place. Originally, it was a horse drawn carriage, today it can take many forms, but mostly refers to the modern motorized vehicle.

  I no longer advise people to use these facts as a conversation starter. Apparently, it makes one appear elitist and non-approachable, at least that was my take away.

  Did you notice that I did not tie in how the word “hearse” came from the word for “wolf”? Well the word we started with was “Hirpex” meaning a triangular rake with iron teeth protruding underneath. The rake’s teeth reminded people of a wolf, known as a “Hirpus”. The word “Hirpex” came from the word “Hirpus” or wolf. That is how the word “hearse” came from the word for “wolf”. And, as Paul Harvey used to say, “Now you know the rest of the story.”

Side-Note:

  I really appreciate all the feedback I get on my HearseHub articles. I view constructive criticism as simply a way for me to hone my skills on my way to becoming a better writer. So keep it coming.

  Also, I am always looking for article ideas. If you have any ideas at all, please email them to me at HearseHub@gmail.com.