Pallbearers have carried the coffin at funerals for
centuries. The term “pallbearer” is derived from the heavy white cloth (the
pall) that at one time covered all caskets. The pall may be ornate or very
plain. It is part of the religious ceremony in Roman Catholic
and Lutheran funeral services representing death and rebirth of the
spirit.
For a military funeral, the American flag is used as the
pall. It is placed on the casket as soon as it enters the church and removed
just before being lowered into the ground.
As the funeral ceremony became more simplified, the term
“pallbearer” came to describe someone who carries the casket to its burial
location.
Today, pallbearers are selected by the family to oversee
the casket at the funeral. It is an honor to be asked and indicates that you
were regarded highly by the deceased, and their family for they are trusting you to
carry their loved one to the final resting place.
There are usually six to eight people who act as pallbearers
depending on the size and weight of the casket, which is dictated by the number
of handles on each side. (For a child’s casket, there may only be four handles.)
A typical casket can weight from 200 to 400 pounds.
Each pallbearer should have ability to assist in lifting
and carrying the casket over uneven ground in the cemetery. Some funeral homes provide
a bier with wheels that pallbearers assist in rolling.
An honorary pallbearer is someone who cannot physically lift
the casket; a distinguished colleague in the deceased’s professional field, or a special family
member or close friend. The honorary pallbearer may lead or follow the casket.
A pallbearer should dress in conservative and respectful
attire, and will be given white gloves to wear during the procession. However,
the family may request pallbearers wear their loved one’s favorite color or something
that has been designated as a tribute to the deceased. Pallbearers should be able to keep emotions
in check during this time.
Pallbearers should expect to arrive a few minutes early
and stay a few minutes after the
Funeral so the director can explain what you will need
to know and how to fulfill your
duties before the ceremony begins. Remember, it is an
honor to be selected. If you are not sure you can keep
your emotions under control, let the family know. They will appreciate
your candidness.
~ Joy
