Undertaker who was blasted for making a funeral ‘all about himself’ with a ‘creepy’ march in front of grieving family defends actions

An undertaker has been blasted for making a funeral ‘all about himself’ with a ‘creepy’ march in front of the hearse.

The funeral director company posted to TikTok showing an undertaker leading the hearse in what they call a ‘centuries-old tradition’.

The video posted by Matthew Uden-Funeral Director, was captioned saying the tradition is ‘full of respect, and it shows that every farewell is accompanied by love, guidance and care’. 

The undertaker, Mr Uden, said the tradition was ‘originally to alert people to a passing funeral so they could pause and pay their respects’.

However, some believed that the undertaker was instead making the funeral ‘about himself’.

One TikTok user wrote: ‘So sad to see you try and advertise on social media in this occupation.’

‘It’s not about you,’ another wrote.

A third added: ‘Sorry is it just me, very nice looking professional man, but this just gives me the creeps, don’t want any of this when I pop my clogs.

The funeral directors posted to TikTok showing an undertaker leading the hearse in what they call a ‘centuries-old tradition’

The video posted by Matthew Uden-Funeral Director, was captioned saying the tradition is ‘full of respect, and it shows that every farewell is accompanied by love, guidance and care’

‘Direct cremation for me anything else is a waste of money.’ 

While someone else said: ‘Feels like he’s making about himself. Sorry.’ 

Others disagreed, saying that it was a traditional part of the ceremony.

One person said: ‘Now that’s professionalism, and utmost respect.’

Another added: ‘This is part of the funeral. They will walk to the end of the street.’

A third wrote: ‘To create occasion he does it with grandeur to follow the someone you loved beyond words on their last journey in your world… let it be special.’   

However head-undertaker Matthew Uden defended the tradition to the Daily Mail. 

He said: ‘The act of a conductor walking ahead of the hearse and striking the ground with a cane is not a performance. 

‘It’s a centuries-old tradition, originally to alert people to a passing funeral so they could pause and pay their respects. 

The practice received mixed reviews when it was shared to TikTok

‘Today, we continue it as a mark of dignity and to honour the life of the person who has passed. 

‘It is never about the conductor, but about showing respect to the deceased and comfort to the family following behind.

‘We share funeral videos on social media, with a family’s permission, and most comments are kind and supportive. 

‘When negative remarks appear, I ask people to remember that inside every coffin is a person that has lived a life, and a grieving family for whom this moment is deeply significant.’