The number depends on the handles on the casket as well as those who wish to carry the casket. As such, this number and even are more than eight people. However, six pallbearers are picked to carry the casket during a funeral service often because most caskets have three handles on each side.
How Many Pallbearers Do You Need? The number of pallbearers you will need will depend on the size and weight of the casket. A heavy casket will require more pallbearers than a lightweight one. For example, a standard metal casket typically requires six pallbearers, while a larger, heavier casket may require eight.
Typically, there are a minimum of four pallbearers, though six can also be used depending on the weight of the coffin.
Why is it that most pallbearers you see during a funeral service are men? Well, the reason for this is basically because of the weight of the casket. It may seem sexist, but the truth is that men will actually really find it easier to carry heavier loads.
As a rule, four or six Pallbearers carry or escort a coffin at the funeral. As a rule, the people chosen to do this this are usually very close family members and friends. Moreover, family and friends may ask to carry out this imoportant funeral role. We will discuss this with you when making funeral arrangements.
The role of pallbearer or honorary pallbearer is both an honor and a great responsibility. The duties primarily consist of helping to carry or accompany the casket throughout a traditional funeral or burial.
At a funeral, the coffin or casket can be carried either by designated pallbearers as arranged by the funeral directors, or by any of your chosen family members or friends.
In most instances, men are pallbearers, so it seems like the norm. However, there is no cultural or religious customs stating that women can't serve as pallbearers. The only reason why they don't do this job is that they may not be strong enough to lift the casket, which can sometimes be quite heavy.
It is a common practice to cover the legs as there is swelling in the feet and shoes don't fit. As part of funeral care, the body is dressed and preserved, with the prime focus on the face. Post embalming, bodies are often placed without shoes; hence covering the legs is the way to offer a dignified funeral.
Men or women may be pallbearers. When selecting them, make sure they can keep their emotions in check.
It's best, however, to avoid selecting people who will need to be there to support another family member. For example, a grown son may need to sit with (and offer moral support to) his mother rather than serve as a pallbearer at his father's funeral.
Family members and close friends are common choices. Either men or women can be pallbearers as long as they are physically capable of doing so. Sometimes, honorary pallbearers can stand in place of individuals that are incapable of physically lifting the casket.
Due to this heaviness, pallbearers are typically males over the age of 16. However, women can also serve as pallbearers. Those chosen are often close to the departed or the bereaved family.
Video shows how one pallbearer helping to lower the coffin slipped and fell on top of it, causing the lid to split in half and an elderly woman's body to roll out. The tragic accident happened during a funeral in...
Coffins get tapered to conform to the shape of a human form. A coffin also has a removable lid while caskets have lids with hinges. Coffins are usually made out of wood and lined with cloth interiors. Unlike caskets, they do not have rails that make transportation easier.
Carrying a Coffin on Shoulders
This looks like a respectful way to carry the coffin although you will have to remember that it will put a strain on the shoulders and arms. However, it is also considered to be a safe way to carry a coffin if the ground is uneven.
It has been used to prevent the odor of decay, to give family members closure and prevent them from witnessing the decomposition of their loved ones, and in many cultures it has been seen as a necessary step for the deceased to enter the afterlife or to give back to the cycle of life.
We don't remove them. You can use what is called an eye cap to put over the flattened eyeball to recreate the natural curvature of the eye. You can also inject tissue builder directly into the eyeball and fill it up. And sometimes, the embalming fluid will fill the eye to normal size.
The deceased's face is sometimes covered before the casket is closed to protect it from the inside lid of the casket. If the face does not need protection, it may still be covered at the funeral as a gesture of comfort, out of respect for the body, or due to Catholic tradition.
Pallbearers are usually close family members and friends. Siblings, adult children, grown grandchildren, nieces and nephews, close friends, and colleagues are all common choices for pallbearers. However, anyone can serve as a pallbearer.
Guardsman Fletcher Cox, from the 1st Battalion Grenadier Guards, was one of eight chosen to carry the coffin of the longest-reigning monarch in British history - and also the youngest.
There are actually no rules about who can carry a coffin at a funeral. Anyone can be a pallbearer as long as they feel able to do it. Plus, you can always ask the funeral director what will work best.
It is traditional to carry a coffin so that the body travels feet first. If carrying into a crematorium the coffin must be placed feet first onto the catafalque (the platform on which it must be placed by the end of the ceremony). Many coffins are shaped, so the feet end is the more tapered end.
The officiant will usually lead the procession and pallbearers carrying the coffin tend to follow. Immediate family and close friends will often walk behind the coffin, followed by other guests.
Because it is Safer
This is important when the coffin is carried down stairs or on uneven terrain on its way to the funeral venue. It enables the funeral procession to navigate challenges more safely. Yes, caskets are usually locked, but this isn't always enough.