Table of Contents
How are pallbearers chosen?
A pallbearer is either chosen by the deceased in pre-death planning or by the family after. Due to illness and the weight, not all pallbearers can lift the casket. If someone is unable to perform the duties, they may walk alongside or behind the casket. These people are called honorary pallbearers.
How hard is it to be a pallbearer?
Selecting who you would like to serve as the pallbearers is never an easy task. Even more difficult can be asking those people to do the job. Regardless, the pallbearer is a job that must be done, and most people will accept the role if they are asked. Typically, there will be six to eight pallbearers needed.
Does a pallbearer have to be a man?
Pallbearers can be men or women, and are often either family members or close friends. Traditionally, there are six pallbearers at a funeral, as there are usually six handles on a casket (three on each side), though there are often two handles on the front and back sides of a casket, allowing for eight pallbearers.
How do you become a coffin bearer?
How to be a pallbearer
- People of similar heights should be next to each other with shorter bearers at the front.
- The funeral director will help you lift the coffin onto your shoulder.
- Keep the coffin close to you as you walk.
- Follow the lead of the funeral director and walk in step together with the other pallbearers.
Can you say no to being a pallbearer?
You do not have to accept the role of pallbearer if it is offered to you, though it is considered an honour to be asked. You might want to decline because you do not feel you are physically able to carry the coffin, as it is often quite heavy.
Can a girl be a pallbearer?
Traditionally, pallbearers in the funeral service are not members of the family. For women or for anyone who is not physically capable of lifting the casket, they can act as honorary pallbearer and walk in front or at the back of the casket.
Are coffins heavy to carry?
Know the weight of the person in the coffin and bear in mind that wooden coffins are also quite heavy, adding up to 20kg. If the load is more than 90kgs (14 stones) you will need six bearers. If the load is more than 125 kilos (20 stones), you should think very carefully about carrying the coffin.
Why do men carry casket?
The Order of Carrying the Casket For instance, most pallbearers at a funeral service are people who are strong and young and often men. The funeral service is just a part of the commemoration of a life and being a pallbearer takes things to a more person level.
Why do coffins go in feet first?
Coffins are carried feet first simply because of health and safety, rather than any kind of ceremonial tradition. Carrying a coffin with the feet first helps keep it balanced and also means the deceased is being handled with great care. The funeral director will provide instructions on how to take the coffin.
Why is it called pallbearer?
A pall is a heavy cloth that is draped over a coffin. Thus the term pallbearer is used to signify someone who “bears” the coffin which the pall covers. In Roman times, a soldier wore a cape or cloak called the pallium.
Is it rude to decline being a pallbearer?
You might want to decline because you do not feel you are physically able to carry the coffin, as it is often quite heavy. In this case you should politely decline the offer and explain why you do not think you would be suitable. The person arranging the funeral may offer to make you an honourary pallbearer instead.
How old do you have to be to be a pallbearer?
Whether pallbearer or honorary pallbearer, it is a high honor to serve in this capacity. They can be men and women usually over the age of 16. When asked to be a pallbearer, it’s an honor and very few people decline this request. Pallbearers play a crucial role in the funeral service, as they’re in the public eye.
When do you not need a pallbearer at a funeral?
Though pallbearers are common at funerals, there are some cases where they may not be needed. If the deceased person isn’t buried and has a celebration of life, there may not be a need for a pallbearer. If a family still wants to recognize this tradition, alternative options are available.
What is the job of an active pallbearer?
An active pallbearer is a person whose primary task is to help carry the casket from the place of service to the hearse, for transportation to the crematory (if cremation is planned after the funeral) or to the cemetery for burial.
What does it mean to be an honorary pallbearer?
An honorary pallbearer receives the special honor of being able to walk or ride beside the casket as it is being moved. If you have accepted the role of pallbearer, you should consider it an honor and a responsibility. You may have questions or be unsure about the role.