As a funeral director with years of experience in funeral services, I can provide you with a detailed answer to your question.

At a funeral, the individuals who carry the casket are typically pallbearers. Pallbearers are usually close family members, friends, or colleagues of the deceased, chosen by the family to honor the person who has passed away. The number of pallbearers can vary, but it is common to have six, eight, or twelve, depending on the size and weight of the casket and the cultural or religious traditions of the family.

The selection of pallbearers is a personal decision and can be based on a variety of factors, such as the relationship to the deceased, their ability to physically carry the casket, and the symbolic significance they hold for the family. It is also not uncommon for military veterans to have fellow service members or members of a military honor guard serve as pallbearers, especially if a funeral with full military honors is being conducted.

In some cultures, it is traditional for certain roles to be filled by specific individuals. For example, in some families, it might be expected that the deceased's sons or brothers serve as pallbearers.

The funeral director will work with the family to coordinate the logistics of the casket-bearing process. They will ensure that the pallbearers are aware of their responsibilities, such as when to lift the casket, how to carry it properly, and where to place it at the gravesite or during the service.

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A pallbearer is one of several participants that help carry the casket at a funeral. Some traditions distinguish between the roles of pallbearer and casket bearer. The former is a ceremonial position, carrying a tip of the pall or a cord attached to it. The latter do the actual heavy lifting and carrying.read more >>