How do pallbearers carry a coffin?

They carry the coffin from one point to the next throughout the service. Traditionally, there are six pallbearers to align with each of the six handles on the sides of the coffin. There are also handles in the front and back so it is possible to have eight total pallbearers carrying the casket.

Are coffins carried head first or feet first?

It is important to remember that, when carrying a coffin or casket, the person inside is always carried feet first – the only exception is a vicar, who is carried head first to face their congregation. Coffins are carried feet first simply because of health and safety, rather than any kind of ceremonial tradition.

Are coffins carried feet first?

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.

Who normally carries the coffin?

pallbearer
A pallbearer is responsible for carrying the coffin or casket of the deceased from the hearse to its final place of rest, depending on whether it is a cremation or burial service.

Is it heavy to carry a coffin?

Know the weight of the person in the coffin and bear in mind that wooden coffins are also quite heavy, adding up to 20kg. If the load is more than 90kgs (14 stones) you will need six bearers. If the load is more than 125 kilos (20 stones), you should think very carefully about carrying the coffin.

Do Pallbearers carry the casket or the body?

While in the United Kingdom and Ireland, pallbearers carry the casket on their shoulders—the casket handles are used to help lift the casket out of the hearse or funeral car and to assist in lifting the casket onto the pallbearers’ shoulders.

What happens to the casket when a funeral is held?

For cremations, the casket is only carried from the hearse into the crematorium by pallbearers. For burial services, the coffin is carried into the funeral venue, removed, and then carried to the graveside by the pallbearers.

What is the proper way to carry a casket?

How a casket is carried is dictated by national customs. For example, in the U.S.A., pallbearers carry a casket by the handles and at waist height.

What is an honorary pallbearer at a funeral home?

Honorary pallbearers are also preferable when the casket is particularly heavy. In this case, the funeral home personnel will use mechanical power instead of human power to move the casket, but honorary pallbearers will accompany the casket.