What does a pall symbolize when placed over a casket?

The pall, which is a heavy cloth that is draped over a casket, symbolizes the spiritual covering of the deceased. In many funeral traditions, it represents the idea of wrapping the deceased in a garment of honor and respect, highlighting the sacredness of their life. This covering is often used during the service to signal the transition from life to death and is a reminder of the importance of the soul over the physical body.

The pall also carries connotations of equality in death, as it is typically a plain cloth that does not distinguish the social status of the deceased, emphasizing the belief that in death, all are equal. This concept is particularly significant in many religious ceremonies, reinforcing the belief that each individual is embraced by the divine regardless of their earthly circumstances.

Other choices, while related to themes of death and mourning, do not accurately capture the symbolic meaning of the pall as specifically representative of a spiritual covering.