What is the traditional name for the symbolic cloth covering placed over the casket?

The traditional name for the symbolic cloth covering placed over the casket is the pall. This term is often used within the context of funeral practices, especially in Christian traditions, where the pall serves as a symbol of the deceased’s baptism and the belief in resurrection. The pall is typically a large, rectangular cloth that drapes over the casket and is usually made of white fabric, which signifies purity and the hope of eternal life.

In many burial rites, the pall is placed over the casket at the beginning of the service and may be removed before the casket is lowered into the ground, emphasizing the rituals surrounding death and the recognition of the deceased’s life. This practice is a meaningful part of the funeral service, illustrating the respect and honor given to the individual who has passed away.

The other options refer to different types of coverings but do not hold the same traditional significance as the pall in the context of funeral services. For instance, a shroud is typically used in some cultures as a specific burial cloth, while a coverlet and drape are more general terms that do not carry the same symbolic weight or specific use as a pall in funeral ceremonies.