PALLBEARERS, YOU'RE IMPORTANT. HERE'S WHY!

Being called up to the role of pallbearer is considered by many an honour. Whether the deceased was a relative or friend, being asked by the family to perform this duty should be taken seriously. Executing the role of pallbearer, especially 'into church', means that you should strive to arrive to the funeral early and be also appropriately attired (this goes for out-of-church and to-the graveside pallbearers). After all, you only get one chance to be a pallbearer for the specific deceased.

Honour Family's Wishes

If the family has requested a specific colour to be worn, as it may have been the deceased's favourite, one way to show you care and also to honour their wishes would be to opt for a shirt in the requested colour shade. This lets the family know that their loved one was of significant value to you. At Serenity Hills Funerals, once we are informed of who will be undertaking the task of pallbearer, we politely inform the family to speak with those persons selected for this feat, encouraging them to be prompt with their arrival.

For funeral homes in Barbados and even international funerals, there are certain protocols to which pallbearers should adhere:

1- Do not be late

2-Dress the part. If there was a dress code requested by the family, attempt to follow it.

3- If you are not a close relative, bear in mind that close family members such as parents, spouses and offspring will more than likely want to be at the front to lead the casket into the church or at the back where the deceased's head lie.

How to Handle a Casket

4- For pallbearers into church, when removing the casket from the hearse, you must face the hearse, remove the casket, as the casket is placed in the hearse feet first which is also the protocol for how it must enter the church, 'feet first', symbolic of the deceased 'walking into the church'.

5- For pallbearers to the graveside, number 4 applies when placing the casket/coffin onto the grave. This is done so that the head is facing east. It is believed that this is done since the sun rises in the east, and in many faiths, specifically Christianity, so that the deceased may witness the 'second coming of Christ' which is purported to take place in the east.