procession

Everyday

1. A line of people, cars or animals moving slowly forward in an orderly way, often as part of a ceremony or celebration. tree →
2. A long series of things that come one after another: a procession of visitors. tree →

In the lessons

In everyday life there are processions at parades, weddings, funerals, festivals and school carnivals. In stories a royal procession passes through town. In maths a procession problem may ask about rows: «a procession of 8 rows with 12 people in each» — multiply. Ants march in a procession. Phrases: «in procession», «a funeral procession», «a torchlight procession», «lead the procession».

Examples

• The carnival procession went down the main street. tree →
• The children walked in procession into the hall. tree →
• A procession of ants carried crumbs away. tree →
• The king rode at the front of the procession. tree →
• There were 9 floats in the procession, with 15 people on each. tree →
• We watched the lantern procession at night. tree →
• A long procession of cars followed the hearse. tree →
• A procession of visitors came to see the new baby. tree →
• A great crowd of people followed the procession. tree →

Note

Countable: processions. Spelling: pro-CESS-ion (double s). Related verb «proceed» (go forward). A «parade» is similar but usually more festive; a procession can be serious.

In Jewish tradition

In the Tanakh it is a solemn, joyful line of people moving to worship or celebrate, as at the Temple or the city wall.

Interpretation. The festival procession with boughs in Psalm 118 is linked to Sukkot, when the lulav is waved and processions circle the altar. Isaiah's kings in procession picture the nations honoring Zion.

Examples

• The LORD is God, and hath given us light; order the festival procession with boughs, even unto the horns of the altar. (Writings PSA.118.27, JPS 1917) tree →
• Thy gates also shall be open continually, day and night, they shall not be shut; that men may bring unto thee the wealth of the nations, and their kings in procession. (Prophets ISA.60.11, JPS 1917) tree →
• Then I brought up the princes of Judah upon the wall, and appointed two great companies that gave thanks and went in procession: on the right hand upon the wall toward the dung gate; (Writings NEH.12.31, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

Countable: processions. Spelling: pro-CESS-ion (double s). Related verb «proceed» (go forward). A «parade» is similar but usually more festive; a procession can be serious.