What Is a Pallbearer?

The pallbearer is the individual who is responsible for carrying and escorting the casket during the burial and funeral. If someone is unable to carry the casket, they may be allowed to walk beside those who are carrying the casket and will be deemed as an honorary pallbearer instead. It is considered a significant honor to be chosen as a pallbearer. Pallbearers are usually selected by the person who died prior to their death or by their family after the death has occurred. 

Traditionally, funerals required a team of six to eight pallbearers who would carry the casket and bring it to the cemetery so that it could be buried. Since pallbearers were expected to bear the weight of the casket on their shoulders, it was a role that was typically only given to strong men who could ensure the casket traveled to the appropriate location. In modern funerals, pallbearers are only responsible for moving the casket from the hearse to the gravesite, and they hold the casket at their sides rather than bearing the weight on their shoulders. Pallbearers may also walk next to a casket that is placed on a special cart or bier, eliminating the need for the casket to be carried at all. These changes make it easier to transport the casket and also ensure that the role of pallbearer can be extended to both men and women, even if they cannot always physically lift the casket.

Generally speaking, anyone can be a pallbearer at a funeral as long as they can help carry the weight of the casket. Honorary pallbearers can be included as well, but it is important to remember that there will still need to be other pallbearers carrying the casket beside them. The team of pallbearers is usually composed of people who were close to the person who died. They may be relatives, close friends, or colleagues, and may also be some of the individuals who are speaking at the funeral.

While the ability to carry the casket is an important factor in selecting a pallbearer, the emotional capacity to take on this role must also be considered. Being a pallbearer is an emotionally intense and meaningful experience, especially since pallbearers are often viewed as representatives of the bereaved family. Overall, the pallbearer takes on a unique role in honoring the person who died by ensuring that they have a dignified procession to their final resting place.

Sources

“The essential guide to serving as a pallbearer”. Partlow Funeral Chapel. https://partlowchapel.com/the-essential-guide-to-serving-as-a-pallbeare/ 

“How to choose pallbearers for your funeral”. EverPlans.

https://www.everplans.com/articles/how-to-choose-pallbearers-for-your-funeral