Death is inevitable and no matter how careful or careless we are as humans, the end of man on earth is death.
According to Professor of Biochemistry, Isaac Asimov, ‘Life is pleasant. Death is peaceful. It’s the transition that’s troublesome.’
To make sure the transition is not troublesome, as death is part of the reality of man’s existence, there exists a business that is related to giving the dead a grand ceremony for the journey beyond.
A pallbearer, as it is widely known, is a person who helps to carry the coffin at a funeral, a member of the escort, or a person who guards the coffin but does not help to carry it.
However, this has become one form of business that people are veering into as it affords them to be gainfully employed while profit is being generated.
While the funeral home director is tasked with making sure the dead are well groomed for the final burial rites, the pallbearers are groomed to dress up in attires that add colour to the burial procession by giving a befitting goodbye to their loved ones.
It is worth noting that, while an Undertaker is a person who prepares the dead for burial or cremation, Pallbearers are the carriers of the coffin of the deceased which differs from the role of the former.
On the requirements to be a Pallbearer, Mr Ekundayo Nelson opines that anyone interested should possess a sense of courage, and integrity, and have a fun-filled demeanour with an act of service embedded in him.
He says: “We dance a lot, sing at times, and employ the use of instruments like saxophones, trumpets, and drums as we take the dead for burial.”
However, there is need for a matching outfit be it traditional wear or a Suit and tie to match the pallbearers to wear depending on their preference.
A van to convey the pallbearers and musical instruments is also needed to have a thriving business that will honor the dead to the great beyond.
Certification:
To exercise the duty of a pallbearer does not require any certification but for the undertakers, Mr Ekundayo Nelson says, it is important to join the Lagos State Association of Funeral Directors registered by the Lagos State government.
Business Viability:
It is a viable type of business for anyone to show interest in. Findings show students and adults alike takes up the job of pallbearers to fend for themselves and their family, while some take up the job full-time working as an undertaker and a pallbearer.
Profitability:
Depending on the week, month, and clientele, the service cost of pallbearers ranges a lot as there are pallbearers who charge between N500,000 to N1 million and some charges cost way more than these to display their charming performance at the burial of the client’s loved ones.
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