Being chosen to be a pallbearer is considered an honor. The post is treated with great respect and responsibility. A pallbearer is typically an individual who had a close relationship with the deceased.

What Is a Pall?

A pall is a heavy cloth that covers the casket. It is often made of black, white, or purple velvet. In the case of a military funeral, the pall is a national flag.

What Is a Bearer?

A bearer is one who carries or supports. A common usage of the word is “the bearer of bad news”, meaning the carrier of bad news.

Pallbearer

A pallbearer is a person who carries the cloth-draped casket. He is the bearer of the pall.

Other Duties

At some funerals, the pallbearers may circulate among guests to help comfort them and to maintain organization throughout the funeral service.