They are often close friends of the deceased or the deceaseds family. In Victorian England, it was thought that touching the casket would allow the spirit of the deceased to enter into you. Women should not wear high heels but opt for dark shoes with a flat or low heel as you will need to carry the coffin for some distance. A coffin can be quite heavy, especially when it is filled with the body of the deceased. Active pallbearers are the individuals that perform the task of carrying the casket. The price of a coffin will also be affected by the taper of the casket. How do you say thank you for being a pallbearer? Do you ever fully recover from chemotherapy? What is the significance of this tradition? Arrive at the funeral slightly early. The decision of who should carry the coffin at a funeral is often left to the family of the deceased. The pallbearers are showing that they did not want to touch the casket with their bare hands. A hydraulic body lift is also available in addition to being a less expensive and more convenient option for morticians. {"Alabama":"AL","Alaska":"AK","Arizona":"AZ","Arkansas":"AR","California":"CA","Colorado":"CO","Connecticut":"CT","Delaware":"DE","Florida":"FL","Georgia":"GA","Hawaii":"HI","Idaho":"ID","Illinois":"IL","Indiana":"IN","Iowa":"IA","Kansas":"KS","Kentucky":"KY","Louisiana":"LA","Maine":"ME","Maryland":"MD","Massachusetts":"MA","Michigan":"MI","Minnesota":"MN","Mississippi":"MS","Missouri":"MO","Montana":"MT","Nebraska":"NE","Nevada":"NV","New Hampshire":"NH","New Jersey":"NJ","New Mexico":"NM","New York":"NY","North Carolina":"NC","North Dakota":"ND","Ohio":"OH","Oklahoma":"OK","Oregon":"OR","Pennsylvania":"PA","Rhode Island":"RI","South Carolina":"SC","South Dakota":"SD","Tennessee":"TN","Texas":"TX","Utah":"UT","Vermont":"VT","Virginia":"VA","Washington":"WA","West Virginia":"WV","Wisconsin":"WI","Wyoming":"WY"}. The word comes from the Latin pallium (cloak), through Old English. Ultimately, it is up to the family to decide who they would like to ask. You do not have to accept the role of pallbearer if it is offered to you, though it is considered an honour to be asked. The most important thing is that the decision is made with care and thoughtfulness. Is Brooke shields related to willow shields? The east represents new life, a new day. How do you win an academic integrity case? For example, the pallbearers will carry the casket from the hearse to the church. The majority of modern cemeteries continue this east to west tradition. If you've been asked to be a pallbearer, then it's quite normal to be feeling a little apprehensive. If possible, avoid wearing any jewelry, as it may become caught on the coffin or attract attention away from the deceased. It can be difficult to remain composed and respectful when carrying a coffin, especially if you knew the deceased well. A pallbearer is somebody who assists in the carrying of a casket during the funeral and burial process. Often, family and close friends, pallbearers wear white gloves to ensure the casket does not get damaged. Here are some useful tips on being a pallbearer: Carry the coffin with dignity and respect. Unless the family expresses a desire otherwise, it is customary in most cases for pallbearers to wear a suit, sports coat, and optional tie. Should a son be a pallbearer for his mother? It is also a good idea to wear comfortable, supportive shoes and to avoid carrying the coffin for an extended period of time.