Why do they put a white cloth on a coffin during the viewing?

Question

Is it just to keep people from touching the body or does it have more significance?

Answer 1

The white cloth, or pall, is sprinkled with holy water and drapped over the casket, both are symbols of the deceased's welcoming into the Church at baptism.

Nothing pagan about it - it is a reminder of the white robe that was given at Baptism.

Answer 2

First be absolutely certain that you only have all the discolored whites to put into the washer because you will have to rewash them. If there are quite a few pieces of clothing try to separate them to where when you set the washer on heavy load the water will completely cover the clothes. Use as hot of water that the machine can make. Pour a 1lb box of Arm & Hammer baking soda into the water while it's still hot and stir it in well. Add ¼ cup of white vinegar and stir in well. Add ¼ cup of mild dish detergent and let the clothes soak for about ½ hour before starting the washer. Wash on Medium or Normal cycle. If this is not successful repeat the steps 1 to 3 times more but in most cases the first repeat will remove the dye sometimes the first rewashing will work. Good Luck!!

Answer 3

I think the object is to make the person look like he or she is sleeping in a bed.

Answer 4

people already know dont touch other than kissing
ive never seen that Usually clothing is visible

Answer 5

comes from the pagan's and Egyptians. It's a pagan ritual. Has to do with believing they still exist or their spirit is still here. It's pagan!

Answer 6

It symbolizes the equality of all in death.

Answer 7

i dunno, but I sure hope is isn't just to keep people from touching the body... I would hope that's not that big of a problen!!!


:shudder::