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Pallbearer
Pallbearer
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Pallbearers carrying the casket of Major Douglas A. Zembiec of the United States Marine Corps

A pallbearer is one of several participants who help carry the casket at a funeral. They may wear white gloves in order to prevent damaging the casket and to show respect to the deceased person.

Some traditions distinguish between the roles of pallbearers and casket bearer. The former is a ceremonial position, carrying a tip of the pall or a cord attached to it. The latter do the actual heavy lifting and carrying. There may otherwise be pallbearers only in the symbolic sense if the casket is on an animal or vehicle.

In Western cultures, the pallbearers are usually male family members, close friends, or colleagues of the deceased. A notable exception was the funeral of Lee Harvey Oswald, in which reporters, pressed into service to carry the coffin, outnumbering the mourners.[1] In some African cultures, pallbearers are not family members but are staffs of professional funeral agencies who are paid for their services.[2] The first duty of a pallbearer is to appear at least thirty minutes before the funeral begins as the funeral director can then provide directions. Secondly, they will also be notified on where they are able to sit during the funeral service and then the casket would be carried in. Thirdly, pallbearers carry the casket to the final resting area after the funeral. Depending on the tradition, pallbearers would either carry the coffin on their shoulders or by their waist.

At times additional pallbearers, known as honorary pallbearers, walk either behind or directly in front of the casket in a showcase of supplemental distinction towards the deceased. This type of pallbearer is most often a gentleman in the profession of the deceased who has achieved significant merit within their position.[3]

Pallbearers additionally carry an urn ark, a wooden box with glass that carries an urn with four handles during a memorial service or service of remembrance.[4]

Etymology

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Pallbearers at a dignitary's burial in Kenya

A pall is a heavy cloth that is draped over a coffin.[5][6] Thus the term pallbearer is used to signify someone who "bears" the coffin which the pall covers. In the Holy Roman Empire, a soldier wore a cape or cloak called the pallium. In medieval times the term pallium was shortened to pall. Christians would use a pall to cover their loved ones when burying them.

Buddhist culture

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In Ancient Indian Buddhist cultural traditions of grieving, often requires pallbearers to consume a vegetarian diet which excludes garlic, onions, leek and chives.[7] They tend to also abstain from alcohol for at least 49 days after passing.[7] This is thought to be the maximum duration likely between death and rebirth.[7] Hence, acts might be performed frequently during this duration in order to produce merit for the dead.[7] Thus, this leads up to the ‘ending’ ritual on the last day.[7] In every tradition of Buddhism, there seem to be spiritualist who communicates with the dead at the request of the pallbearer.[7] Usually, the primary reason is to make sure that there has been sufficient merit produced by the deceased's family to prevent an unwanted rebirth.[7]

British culture

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The arrangement for Princess Louisa's funeral during 1768, held the first announcement that women were to be utilised as contributors of the pall at the funeral.[8] Garter King of Arms then promptly notified the Lord Chamberlain that ladies had only gone into a funeral process by mourning or attendants under the chief mourners.[8] To hold the ends of the pall draped over casket or to transport the coffin was a tremendous honour.[8] The ability of pallbearers to come towards royalty which only few were allowed to, be it whether the King is alive or dead.[8]

Method of carrying

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Pallbearers in the US, Canada and Australia most commonly carry a casket by the handles, and at around waist height.[9] In the United Kingdom, Ireland, and most countries in Asia, the coffin is often carried on the shoulders.[10][citation needed] There are typically 6 to 8 pallbearers depending on the size and weight of the coffin.

In Scandinavia, the casket is carried by three straps, which go under the casket; the pallbearers on each side take their side of the strap over their shoulders and the casket itself is suspended by the straps on knee height. The advantage of this method is that the weight of the casket is distributed on the shoulders of the pallbearers, and the casket can be lowered immediately to the grave, as the pallbearers will simply walk lengthwise on each side of the grave. Once the casket has been lowered, the pallbearers on the right side of the casket (the heart of the deceased) then pull the straps off.

British countryside and carriages

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Further, chief mourners and attendants such as pallbearers and canopy usually wore mourning gowns with hoods.[11] The act of putting on of particular mourning clothing, along with offering food, and burial banquet were ancient practices preserved by European Renaissance burial traditions that lasted till the 19th century.[11] Another way to indulge in funeral ceremonies included objects such as golden palls, royal horses, and expensive wax tapers.[11] The funeral van with the coffin-bearers holding the corners of the pall follows, with the pallbearers beneath the pall actually supporting the casket.[11] In the 19th century, white was worn in the British countryside for mourning.[11] For example, the village of Piddington had a set of similar white gowns for pallbearers which remained in the church. If a funeral occurs, pallbearers could come from the fields and swap them with their work clothes.[11] Carriages were built specially made for pallbearers so that 6 people can proceed comfortably or two closed carriages would be used.[12] The 2 leading pallbearers, funeral director and clergyman, would be in the first carriage.[12] The rest of the pallbearers would take the second carriage.[12] Honorary pallbearers are arranged in a similar manner following the active pallbearers.[12] Pallbearers’ carriages would leave a specific place at a certain time in case those who wish to ride to the church or house could meet at that area.[12]

Death in a fraternity or other societies

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If the dead was a member of a fraternity or other societies, the family could likely select that entire group.[12] At Masonic funerals, pallbearers are usually selected from that order.[12] If there are more than one organisation, it is possible that some would be chosen from each of these societies.[12] The leaders of each society should be informed of the plan, in order to properly appoint their members.[12] There is a tradition in a couple of places where trained pallbearers were chosen by funeral directors.[12] When this happens, pallbearers acknowledge their duties and position, and are not required to go into details on the subject during that time.[12] If the church path is narrow and the turns are sharp which may be hard to go past with pallbearers, a coffin carriage might be used.[13] Otherwise the coffin can be lifted to the altar and placed down by the pallbearers.[13] Unless the state of the street is that the coffin cannot be removed from the hearse standing near the curbing, it would not be backed up at either the church or house. Allocated seating for the pallbearers is usually at the left front pews, once the coffin is placed then pallbearers may sit, and funeral director sits directly behind the coffin.[13] Thus, this shows how societies are impacted by a death of a member and how pallbearers function in short turns.

See also

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References

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Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
A pallbearer is one of several individuals, typically six to eight, who assist in carrying the or casket of the deceased during a , often from to the service venue and then to the gravesite. The term originates from the "pall," a cloth or mantle historically draped over the , which bearers would hold aloft during processions, a practice rooted in ancient funeral customs dating back to biblical times and earlier civilizations. In contemporary funerals, pallbearers are usually selected by the family from close friends, relatives, or colleagues of the deceased as a mark of honor and respect, symbolizing communal support for the bereaved. They are expected to wear formal attire, such as dark suits, and may don white gloves to protect the casket and maintain . While traditionally male and physically able-bodied due to the casket's weight—often around 200 pounds or more when loaded—the role has become more inclusive in modern settings, accommodating women, children in honorary capacities, and even honorary pallbearers who walk alongside without lifting. The selection and duties of pallbearers vary by cultural and religious traditions; for instance, in Jewish funerals, pallbearers are often family or friends who carry the plain wooden casket directly to the , emphasizing and equality in death. In military funerals, active-duty personnel may serve as pallbearers, performing precise maneuvers as part of an honor guard. Overall, the role underscores themes of dignity, solidarity, and closure in the funeral rite, evolving from ancient burden-sharing practices to a poignant element of personalized memorial services today.

Definition and Background

Definition

A pallbearer is an individual selected to carry or escort the during a or service, typically transporting it from to the , , or gravesite. This role involves physical support of the casket, often in coordination with others, and may extend to honorary escort duties without direct carrying. Pallbearers hold symbolic significance as bearers of the pall—a cloth traditionally draped over the coffin to signify respect and reverence for the deceased—and as representatives of communal honor in the final journey. The term derives from this practice of handling the pall cloth. Typically, funerals involve six to eight pallbearers, a number determined by the casket's size and handles, with three positioned on each side. Selection criteria prioritize family members, close friends, or honored associates who are physically capable and emotionally prepared to fulfill the duty.

Etymology

The term "" is a compound word formed from "pall," referring to the cloth draped over a in processions, and "bearer," meaning one who carries or supports an object. This etymological structure highlights the original role of holding up the edges of the pall during ceremonies, a practice tied to the physical handling of the funeral cloth. The root "pall" derives from the Latin pallium, signifying a , mantle, or covering, which entered as pæll around the to denote a rich fabric, such as a purple or . In Christian ecclesiastical contexts, pallium evolved into the name for a distinctive white vestment worn by the and metropolitan archbishops, symbolizing pastoral authority and made from lambs' wool blessed by the . The funeral pall, as a ceremonial covering, shares this linguistic heritage, with records of its use in English dating to at least 1555. The full term "pallbearer" first appears in English print in 1707, specifically within descriptions of Christian funeral rites where participants bore the pall or assisted with the coffin it adorned. This emergence aligns with formalized Western burial customs emphasizing ritual dignity for the deceased.

Historical and Cultural Contexts

Early History

The practice of pallbearing has ancient precedents in Egyptian, Greek, and Roman funeral rituals, where attendants carried or effigies of the deceased during to the or . In , groups of male "friends" (smrw), often numbering nine and symbolizing mythological figures like the Children of , bore the embalmed body on a or sledge from the embalming tent to the boat and onward to the site, ensuring a dignified journey believed essential for the afterlife. Similarly, in , the corpse was transported on a by pallbearers, typically close associates or professional colleagues, as seen in accounts of philosophers like Demonax being carried by fellow sophists to reflect communal respect and status. In Rome, family members or hired bearers carried the body on a during the pompa funebris , a public display that underscored the deceased's social rank, with the number of bearers scaling according to wealth and prestige. The pallbearer role as known in Christian contexts emerged in medieval Europe, evolving from these classical traditions and integrating with church processions where a pall—a large cloth symbolizing the baptismal garment—was draped over the coffin to signify purity and resurrection. This practice, rooted in early Christian liturgy, with bearers holding the pall's edges during transport from home to church and cemetery, emphasizing communal mourning within ecclesiastical rites. The term "pallbearer" derives from this liturgical pall, highlighting its religious significance in shrouding the deceased as a member of the Christian community. The 14th-century Black Death profoundly influenced the formalization of pallbearer roles, as mass mortality necessitated organized teams to handle bodies swiftly for sanitary purposes while preserving ceremonial elements amid widespread fear of contagion. In plague-ravaged areas, professional bearers or members were often employed to carry biers or coffins in hurried processions, reducing direct contact and preventing further spread of , a shift that institutionalized the practice across for both practical and ritual continuity.

Western Traditions

In 18th- and 19th-century Britain, the role of pallbearers became formalized within funeral customs, particularly during elaborate church processions that emphasized communal participation in . Pallbearers were typically selected from close members or respected community figures, such as friends of the deceased, to carry the from the home or into the church, underscoring personal ties and social obligations in the grieving process. This practice evolved from early medieval Christian influences, where community members assisted in processions to honor the dead. The symbolism of pallbearers in Western Christian traditions highlights their role as mourners embodying strength and solidarity, supporting the bereaved while visibly demonstrating collective respect for the deceased. In both Protestant and Catholic rites, pallbearers carry the casket draped with a pall—a cloth symbolizing the baptismal garment and hope—thereby affirming the equality of all souls before and shifting focus from material possessions to spiritual dignity. This act of bearing the serves as a of communal grieving, where participants actively honor through physical effort, reinforcing bonds of and fellowship in Protestant services that prioritize themes and Catholic liturgies that invoke baptismal grace. By the in America, pallbearer traditions evolved under the lingering influence of Victorian , which promoted structured processions and symbolic roles to express grief publicly and respectfully. Pallbearers adapted to both religious and civil ceremonies, often drawn from fraternal organizations or military units in secular contexts, maintaining the emphasis on honor and solidarity while accommodating modern practices like graveside services. This shift reflected broader societal changes, including the rise of formalized funeral homes, yet preserved the core Victorian ideal of pallbearers as bearers of communal strength amid loss.

Buddhist Traditions

In Buddhist traditions, as practiced in and , pallbearers—typically lay male followers or family members—carry the in processions that form a central element of merit-making (tam bun or pin) activities. These processions, often led by monks chanting excerpts from the Abhidhamma to invoke blessings and guide the deceased's spirit, enable participants to accumulate and transfer merit to the departed, aiding their journey toward a favorable rebirth. In , the is borne by pallbearers to the temple or site, accompanied by traditional music and white strings connecting mourners to the body, symbolizing communal solidarity in facing death's inevitability. Mahayana variations in and incorporate pallbearers into rituals that emphasize impermanence (mujo or wuchang) and support practices, aligning with the faith's focus on transcendence beyond the physical form. In Chinese Mahayana-influenced funerals, elderly men act as pallbearers, transporting the in a led by a banner-bearer, while monks chant sutras to purify the and prepare for , which reinforces the doctrine of non-attachment to the body. In , particularly within Jodo Shinshu sects, pallbearers join the during the chanting of texts like the Shoshinge, where burning and elements highlight life's transience and the deceased's ongoing spiritual path. Across these East and Southeast Asian contexts, cultural adaptations shape roles, frequently limiting participation to males due to traditional views on purity and physical strength, though women contribute through preparatory rites and chanting support. These processions seamlessly integrate with extended chanting ceremonies, where recite protective verses en route to the ground, fostering a meditative atmosphere that unites the community in reflection and merit dedication. Such practices underscore a general symbolic respect for the deceased, viewing the pallbearers' labor as an act of compassionate service in the cycle of samsara.

Role in Specific Societies

Fraternities and Organizations

In fraternal orders such as , lodge members often serve as pallbearers during Masonic funeral rites, performing ritual escorts to honor the deceased brother. These pallbearers, typically dressed in dark suits with plain white aprons, white gloves, and a sprig of on their lapels, follow the in pairs after the service, led by the Worshipful Master. The aprons symbolize innocence and purity, while the represents immortality, elements placed on the as part of the before the procession begins. If requested by the family, the lodge provides these honorary pallbearers to ensure uniformity in , avoiding mixtures with non-Masons unless all are in civilian attire. Similarly, in the Independent Order of , lodge brothers participate in structured funeral processions as escorts, with members frequently selected to act as pallbearers for deceased brethren. The official , adopted by the Sovereign in 1970 and revised in 2001, outlines a public involving as primary escorts, followed by lodge officers and members in , emphasizing fraternal solidarity during the . This escort, often including pallbearers from the lodge, underscores the order's principles of friendship, love, and truth, as evidenced in member obituaries where brothers are named as pallbearers. Within college Greek life, fraternity brothers commonly serve as pallbearers in funerals for deceased members, incorporating group-specific ceremonies to commemorate their bond. For instance, in organizations like , chapters select pallbearers and honorary pallbearers from among the brothers, coordinating attendance as a group only with family approval to maintain respectful protocols. These services may include memorial rituals unique to the fraternity, such as those outlined in Alpha Phi Omega's guidelines, where brothers attend visitations and conduct chapter-specific tributes such as the Toast Song. This practice reinforces the lifelong brotherhood, with examples from various campuses highlighting brothers' roles in carrying the casket during processions. Veterans' organizations like the integrate pallbearers into their funeral protocols, featuring uniformed to pay military-style honors. A full Legion military requires 21 uniformed Legionnaires, including eight primary pallbearers and six additional ones to handle the casket, alongside a , color guards, bugler, and squad. These pallbearers assemble curbside for the arrival, ensuring a dignified escort from the hearse to the gravesite, often in coordination with honor guards. This structured involvement highlights the organization's commitment to commemorating veterans through ceremonial precision.

Military and Ceremonial Contexts

In United States military funerals, pallbearers are integral to the protocol executed by the Joint Service Honor Guard, consisting of 6 to 8 active-duty service members from various branches who carry the flag-draped casket with precise synchronization. These pallbearers also perform the ceremonial folding of the American flag into a tri-cornered shape, presenting it to the next of kin on behalf of a grateful nation, accompanied by a rifle volley salute and the sounding of "Taps." This structured role underscores the discipline inherent in rendering honors to fallen service members, whether in standard veteran burials or elevated state funerals for national leaders. In British Commonwealth traditions, pallbearers in Royal ceremonial funerals are typically drawn from elite regiments such as the , with teams of eight guardsmen selected for their rigorous training and bearing to transport the coffin in processions marked by unwavering precision. For instance, during the of Queen Elizabeth II in 2022, members of the 1st Battalion served as the bearer party, embodying the solemnity and loyalty central to these events. Such selections highlight the ceremonial emphasis on regimental pride and national reverence, often integrated with gun salutes and military marches to honor the deceased's service. During , U.S. military funerals adapted to wartime exigencies, with pallbearer details often simplified in forward areas due to combat demands, yet maintaining core elements like casket bearing by fellow unit members to preserve and . In national events, such as repatriation ceremonies or burials of high-ranking officers, full pallbearer honors were upheld as symbols of collective tribute, reinforcing unity and resolve amid global conflict. These practices extended to forces, where similar adaptations balanced resource limitations with the imperative of dignified closure. Veteran groups influenced by fraternal organizations occasionally incorporated these protocols into postwar commemorations.

Practical Methods

Carrying Techniques

Pallbearers typically consist of six to eight individuals positioned symmetrically around the to ensure balanced support during transport. In the standard configuration with six pallbearers, three are assigned to each side of the , each grasping one of the three load-bearing handles located along the sides. For eight pallbearers, the additional two are placed at the front and rear ends, also using dedicated handles to assist with stability, particularly on uneven or during turns. Grips are applied firmly to these handles at height in modern practice, though traditional methods may involve lifting the onto the shoulders for ceremonial processions; ropes or are occasionally used as auxiliary supports passed through the handles for added security, especially in group lifts. In contemporary settings, pallbearers often use mechanical aids to assist with transport, such as wheeled casket dollies or carriages, which allow them to guide the load rather than bear its full weight over longer distances. These devices, typically made of or aluminum with locking wheels, support the casket at waist height and can be maneuvered by pallbearers walking alongside, reducing physical demands while maintaining the ceremonial aspect. Such equipment is particularly useful for indoor venues or when participants have varying fitness levels. Coordination among pallbearers is essential to maintain the 's level orientation and prevent tipping. The process begins with the providing a signal, upon which all pallbearers bend at the knees—keeping the back straight—and grip their assigned handles simultaneously. On a coordinated count, such as "one, two, three, lift," they raise the straight up to waist height, ensuring the foot end leads the to account for the 's top-heavy design. During the walk, pallbearers move in unison at a slow, deliberate pace, synchronizing steps with the person ahead to keep the load close to the body and execute turns clockwise for smoother weight shifting; the is lowered in reverse order, again on a count, by bending the knees until it rests securely on trestles or the edge. Safety considerations prioritize proper weight distribution and physical preparedness, as a fully loaded coffin can weigh between 300 and 500 pounds, placing approximately 50 to 80 pounds on each pallbearer depending on the group size. To mitigate strain and injury risks, pallbearers must distribute the load evenly across handles, avoid sudden movements, and communicate verbally for adjustments; those with height differences exceeding 3-4 inches may need repositioning to prevent imbalance. is recommended, often involving a brief led by the to practice lifts and walks, ensuring participants are physically capable and aware of their limits—non-professional pallbearers, such as members, should confirm fitness in advance.

Use of Carriages and Vehicles

In historical British countryside funerals, particularly from the 17th to 19th centuries, horse-drawn carriages served as the primary means of transporting the deceased, with pallbearers often escorting the on foot rather than bearing the full weight of the casket over long distances. These elaborate hearses, pulled by teams of black-plumed horses, allowed pallbearers to walk alongside or behind, maintaining a dignified pace through rural lanes and emphasizing communal in settings. This practice reflected the logistical challenges of uneven terrain, where full carrying was reserved for shorter segments, such as from the church to the . The marked a gradual transition from horse-drawn to motorized hearses, beginning around 1901 in and becoming standard by the mid-century, as automobiles offered greater reliability and efficiency for processions. During this shift, pallbearers adapted by walking alongside the vehicle or assisting with loading and unloading at key points, such as the or graveside, preserving their symbolic role amid mechanized transport. Basic carrying grips, like the underhand hold, facilitated smooth transitions between and manual bearing. In rural adaptations, communities like the continue to retain animal-pulled methods, using horse-drawn hearses for processions while pallbearers carry the simple casket to the before it is drawn to the burial site. This underscores a commitment to simplicity and separation from modern technology, with young men from the congregation serving as pallbearers to escort the hearse through community pathways. Similar practices persist in other remote rural areas, where or mule-drawn carriages maintain historical continuity in isolated settings.

References

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