What is the difference between pallbearer and honorary pallbearer?

Types of Pallbearers Active pallbearers are the individuals that perform the task of carrying the casket. Honorary pallbearers are those that are recognized as being important to the deceased but are not expected to carry out any tasks during the funeral.

Who should be an honorary pallbearer?

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.

What does the pall represent?

A pall is a white sheet of fabric about 6 feet by 10 feet that is designed to cover a casket during a funeral Mass in the Catholic Church. It serves as a reminder of the white baptismal garments a new Christian wears as he or she is welcomed into the fellowship of believers within the church.

Can a child be an honorary pallbearer?

There is absolutely no limit as to how any people can serve as honorary pallbearers. Common choices for selecting pallbearers are siblings, adult children, grown grandchildren, nieces and nephews, close friends, and colleagues. Anyone you choose can serve as a pallbearer at your funeral.

What does pall mean in 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.

Why do pallbearers put their gloves on the casket?

As early as the 1700s, gloves were given to pallbearers by the deceased’s family to handle the casket. They were a symbol of purity, and considered a symbol of respect and honor.

Are pallbearers necessary?

Of course, pallbearers are necessary for traditional funerals where the deceased will be buried in a casket, but you can also have pallbearers at a cremation service who accompany the urn to the burial site or the memorial location.

Who puts the pall on the casket?

Family members or friends are encouraged to do this, although the placing of the pall may likewise be done by others. The use of this pall also signifies that all are equal in the eyes of God (Jas 2:1-9). (If cremation has taken place before the funeral, the placing of the pall is omitted.)

Can a husband be a pallbearer?

Pallbearers can be men or women, and are often either family members or close friends of the deceased.

Can a woman be a pallbearer?

Conventionally, you will see men as pallbearers. However, women can also serve as pallbearers at a funeral. It depends on who volunteers for it and whether all the family members are on board with the decision.

What does cast a pall mean?

an unhappy mood
Definition of cast a pall on/over : to give (something) an unhappy mood Their argument cast a pall on the party.