lie in state
lie in state (idiomatic verb phrase)
/laɪ ɪn steɪt/
Meaning
- Publicly display the body of a high-ranking figure after death.
- Rest a dignitary’s body in a government building before burial.
- Allow citizens to view a leader’s remains as a mark of respect.
- Hold a formal ceremony with official guard for a deceased public figure.
- Pay tribute through public viewing with state or military honors.
Example Sentences
- Thousands gathered at the Capitol to view the president’s body as it lay in state.
- After the queen passed away, she was scheduled to lie in state for four days in Westminster Hall.
- Veterans paid tribute as the war hero’s casket lay in state at the national memorial.
- His family agreed to let him lie in state so the public could pay their respects.
- The prime minister’s decision to lie in state sparked discussions about his impact on the nation.
- Following his service to the country, it was declared he would lie in state with full honors.
Origin and History
Theories Rooted in Practicality and Public Display
One prominent set of theories revolves around the practical aspects of displaying a deceased ruler.
The “Lying Down” Aspect
At its most basic, the phrase simply describes the physical posture of the deceased. “To lie” means to be in a horizontal position. In this context, it refers to the body being laid out for public viewing, rather than being upright or seated. The addition of “in state” then signifies the formal, official, and ceremonial nature of this lying.
Display of Authority and Continuity
Another theory suggests that “lie in state” emphasizes the continued symbolic authority of the deceased, even in death. By displaying the body in a place of power, such as a palace or a parliament building, it visually reinforced the idea that the “state” – the government or nation – was still present and functioning, even during a transition of power. This public display could also serve to quash rumors of regicide or doubt about the succession.
Embalming and Preservation
Historically, embalming techniques were developed to preserve bodies for extended periods, especially for those who died far from their burial place or when a lengthy period of mourning and public viewing was desired. “Lying in state” would then refer to the period during which the preserved body was on display, allowing time for dignitaries to arrive and for the public to pay respects. This practice might have been particularly important in earlier eras when travel was slow.
Linguistic Evolution and Etymological Speculation
The evolution of the English language itself provides fertile ground for theories about the phrase’s origin.
“State” as Status or Condition
The word “state” can refer to a condition or a position of dignity and importance. In this interpretation, “lie in state” could simply mean “to lie in a condition of high honor” or “to lie in a dignified manner.” This aligns with the ceremonial nature of the event.
Influence of Latin and French
Many English legal and ceremonial terms have roots in Latin and French. It’s conceivable that a similar phrase existed in these languages that influenced the development of “lie in state” in English. For instance, the French term “en état” can mean “in condition” or “in a state,” and could have contributed to the phrasing.
Imagined and Speculative Origins
Beyond historical and linguistic analysis, one can imagine other possibilities.
Symbolic “Sleep” of the Nation
Perhaps “lie in state” carries a symbolic connotation of the nation itself being in a temporary “sleep” or pause during a period of mourning. The deceased, representing the embodiment of the nation, is “lying” while the country collectively acknowledges the loss before moving forward.
The “State” as the Collective Public
In a more abstract sense, “the state” could refer to the collective body of citizens. Thus, “lie in state” could mean “to lie before the people of the state” or “to lie for the benefit of the state,” allowing the populace to participate in the mourning process.
Country of Origin and Earliest Records
While the practice of publicly mourning and displaying deceased rulers is ancient and widespread across many cultures, the specific English phrase “lie in state” appears to have its origins in Great Britain.
Pinpointing the absolute earliest printed record of the term “lie in state” is challenging without extensive access to historical linguistic databases. However, historical records suggest its usage became more formalized and common in the 17th and 18th centuries in connection with royal funerals in Britain.
One frequently cited early example, though not necessarily the earliest, is from accounts of the funeral of King Charles II in 1685. Descriptions of his body being prepared and displayed often use phrases akin to “lying in state.” While a precise single “first appearance” is difficult to definitively state without a comprehensive linguistic survey, it is within this period that the phrase solidifies its meaning and common usage in English.
Variants
- lying in state
- lay in state
- laid in state
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