Why Are They Called Pallbearers?

Why Are They Called Pallbearers? thumbnail
A pallbearer helps carry the casket at a funeral service.

A pallbearer is a person who helps carry or attends to a casket as it is transported during a funeral ceremony. A pallbearer is usually someone who was close to or related to the deceased in some way. In the event of a military or police funeral, a pallbearer may be a fellow officer or a public official.

  1. What Is a Pall?

    • A pall is a heavy cloth that covers the casket. It is often made of black, white or purple velvet. In the case of a military funeral, the pall is a national flag.

    What Is a Bearer?

    • A bearer is one who carries or supports. A common usage of the word is "the bearer of bad news," meaning the carrier of bad news.

    Pallbearer

    • A pallbearer is a person who carries the cloth-draped casket. He is the bearer of the pall.

    Other Duties

    • At some funerals, the pallbearers may circulate among guests to help comfort them and to maintain organization throughout the funeral service.

    Importance

    • Being chosen to be a pallbearer is considered an honor. The post is treated with great respect and responsibility. A pallbearer is typically an individual who had a close relationship with the deceased.

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  • Photo Credit Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of Jonelle B.

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