• Orchestra of the Prague Sokol Gymnastic Society: participating ensemble

An account of this occasion was published by Národní listy 11/4/1863. The source related: ‘Sokol funeral. Yesterday, for the first time, members of the Prague Gymnastic Society [Sokol] undertook funeral duties, accompanying a deceased member to the grave. The musical ensemble of the said society walked in the body of the procession, playing funeral marches. The coffin, on which lay a Sokol cap with insignia was carried by members of „Sokol“ in waistcoats and Sokol caps without badges, behind them marched almost unnoticed a crowd, for the greater part comprising members of „Sokol“ of which thirty on both sides of the procession carried burning pitch torches. In all of the broader streets stood throngs of inquisitive people waiting for the procession, the ramparts by the New Gate [Nová brána] were particularly dotted with people. At the gate the procession paused and the people parted in orderly fashion. There was no disorder in the slightest, although the police directorate were anxious that the musicians did not wear blue and white shirts and the members of „Sokol“ did not process in the manner of a [military] platoon. The Society obligingly acceded to these wishes.’ No further details were given by this source.

The restrictions imposed by the police undoubtedly stems from fears of possible nationally-related unrest, hence the outlawing of shirts in the blue and white Slavic shirts and of military-like order to the procession.