Grace Thompson
A pall is a cloth used to cover a casket or coffin during funeral proceedings in the Catholic Church. The cloth is typically white, symbolising the resurrection and the robe of Christ's righteousness in baptism. The pall is placed on the casket or coffin as soon as it arrives at the church and remains there throughout the proceedings. It is removed at the graveside, just before the casket or coffin is lowered into the ground. The pall is usually folded and kept for the next celebration of the resurrection.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cloth type | Linen, polyester, cotton damask, silk, tapestry |
| Cloth colour | White, black, violet |
| Cloth size | 6' x 10', 8' x 12' |
| Cloth shape | Square, rectangular |
| Cloth adornment | Christian symbols, crosses, Chi Rho symbol, gold cross, vine and branches, embroidered memorial inscriptions |
| Cloth function | Covering casket or coffin, reminding of baptismal garment, signifying equality in the eyes of God |
| Timing of placement | When coffin is received at the church, before funeral liturgy |
| Timing of removal | Before casket or coffin is lowered into the ground, after leaving the church |
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What You'll Learn
The meaning of the pall
The pall is a cloth that covers a casket or coffin during funeral liturgy in the Catholic Church. The word 'pall' is derived from the Latin pallium, which means cloak. The use of the pall is rich in symbolism and has multiple meanings.
Firstly, the pall represents equality before God. The plain white cloth, devoid of any symbols, signifies that all are equal in the eyes of God. This meaning is also reflected in the pastoral recommendation to use a pall, which avoids the display of elaborate and expensive caskets during funeral liturgy.
Secondly, the white pall symbolises the white baptismal garments worn by new Christians when they are welcomed into the Church. It signifies the entry of the deceased into a new life, mirroring the new life celebrated through baptism. The white colour represents the hope of resurrection and new life beyond, pointing to a continued relationship with the deceased in the afterlife.
The use of a black pall, although not forbidden, is less common. It symbolises the grief experienced by the loss of a loved one.
The pall is placed on the casket or coffin when it arrives at the church and remains throughout the proceedings. It is removed at the graveside or before the casket is lowered into the ground.
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The pall's placement
The placement of the pall is an important aspect of the funeral ritual. A pall is a cloth, typically white, that covers the casket or coffin during a funeral in the Catholic Church. It is placed on the casket or coffin when it arrives at the church and remains there throughout the proceedings. The pall serves as a reminder of the white baptismal garments worn by new Christians and symbolises the resurrection and the belief that all are equal in the eyes of God.
The pall is typically placed on the casket or coffin by the priest or funeral director. It is important to ensure that the pall is centred and draped gracefully over the casket or coffin. The pall should be large enough to fully cover the casket or coffin, with enough fabric to hang down gracefully on all sides. The fabric is typically polyester, cotton damask, silk, or tapestry.
If a crucifix or cross is to be placed on top of the pall, it is important to ensure that the surface is flat and smooth. Any other symbols or decorations, such as flags or flowers, should be removed before entering the church and can be replaced after leaving. It is customary to remove the pall at the graveside, just before the casket or coffin is lowered into the ground.
In some cases, the pall may be presented as a gift to the congregation after the funeral. This gift often includes an embroidered memorial inscription, commemorating the deceased and dedicating the pall to the glory of God.
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The pall's removal
The pall is removed at the graveside, just before the casket or coffin is lowered into the ground. If the body is to be cremated, the pall-covered casket or coffin will go through a curtain, and then the pall will be taken off. The pall is removed before the casket or coffin leaves the church building and is prepared for the next celebration of the resurrection.
The pall is typically removed by pallbearers, who are usually male relatives of the deceased. The removal of the pall symbolises the end of the funeral Mass and the conclusion of the celebration of the deceased's life.
If the pall is to be folded, this task is often delegated to funeral directors. A white pall is typically folded and stored for future use, as it is considered a meaningful Christian symbol. The pall may also be given as a gift to the church, where it can be used for future funeral services.
In some cases, the pall is not removed at the graveside but remains on the casket or coffin during the burial. This is usually done out of respect for the deceased or to provide additional protection for the casket or coffin.
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The pall's colour
The colour of the pall cloth is symbolic and varies depending on the religious and cultural traditions of the funeral. In the Catholic Church, the pall is usually white, symbolising the baptismal garment of the deceased. This white pall serves as a reminder of the new life celebrated through baptism and the hope of resurrection. It also signifies the equality of all believers in the eyes of God.
Historically, funeral palls were brightly coloured and patterned, only later becoming black to symbolise grief, and then white. In some traditions, black and violet palls are still used, as these colours are not considered contrary to funeral norms. The liturgical colour chosen for funerals should express Christian hope while also respecting the sorrow of those grieving.
The pall may also feature Christian symbols, such as a cross, and may incorporate other colours appropriate for funerals. For military funerals, the pall is often the national flag, and for members of the Royal Family in the United Kingdom, the pall may bear their arms.
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The pall's size
The pall, or mort-cloth, is a cloth that covers a casket or coffin from the moment the coffin enters the church and is used throughout the funeral. The size of the pall is typically around 6 feet by 10 feet. This size is designed to cover the casket during the funeral Mass in the Catholic Church. The cloth is large enough to drape over the casket, reaching the ground on all sides.
Secondly, the size of the pall also serves as a reminder of the baptismal garment. The white pall, covering the casket completely, represents the white baptismal robe a new Christian wears when they are welcomed into the fellowship of believers. This symbolism brings to mind the idea of a full circle, from the new life celebrated through baptism to the new life experienced through physical death and the hope of resurrection.
The size of the pall, therefore, plays a crucial role in reinforcing the spiritual and symbolic aspects of the Catholic funeral liturgy. Its dimensions are carefully considered to facilitate the expression of religious beliefs and to provide comfort and encouragement to those who are grieving.
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Frequently asked questions
A pall is a cloth that covers a casket or coffin during a funeral.
The white colour of the Catholic funeral pall symbolises the resurrection and the robe of Christ's righteousness in baptism. It also signifies that all are equal in the eyes of God.
Catholic funeral palls are usually white. However, the liturgical colour chosen for funerals should express Christian hope. In the United States, white, violet, or black vestments may be worn at funeral rites.
A Catholic funeral pall should be about 6 feet by 10 feet in size.
A Catholic funeral pall can be folded by first folding it in half lengthwise, and then in half again widthwise. The pall should be placed on the casket or coffin as soon as it arrives at the church and will remain on the coffin during all of the proceedings in the church.
