What Is a Bier? Funeral and Casket Biers Explained

Bier, Catafalque or Church Truck?

Three words describe closely related objects, and they are often confused:

In practice, if someone at a funeral home says "bier" or "church truck", they mean the same wheeled stand. "Catafalque" is reserved for the ceremonial version.

Where the Word Comes From

The word bier traces to the German root meaning "to bear" - the bier bears, or carries, the casket. It has been in use since before the 12th century, so the object itself is at least that old.

Catafalque comes from the Latin catafalicum, meaning scaffold. These ornamental biers have appeared in funerals since roughly the 15th century, and remain common in requiem masses.

Can a Bier Be Used Without a Casket?

Yes. The body of the deceased can be placed directly on the bier for viewing, without a casket. This was done at the funeral of Pope John Paul II, whose remains lay in state in Saint Peter's Basilica. Many other funerals have used a bier with no coffin or casket. The reverse is far less common - a casket at a service almost always rests on something.

What a Modern Bier Does

Biers today do more than hold the casket in place. Most have concealed or semi-concealed wheels, which lets one or two people move a loaded casket between the viewing room, the chapel and the hearse without lifting it. Many collapse for transport in a funeral coach.

Designs vary but sizes are broadly standard. The important check is weight capacity and that the frame suits the length and width of the casket you have chosen - an oversized or non-standard casket size may need a heavier-duty bier.

When Do You Need a Bier?

If you are planning a funeral, a bier is usually supplied by the funeral home rather than bought by the family. You will need one if:

• You are arranging a viewing before the burial
• You do not have a casket but want the remains lying in state
• The casket needs moving between rooms or buildings during the service
• The casket needs a stand to hold it at the right height during the ceremony

Buying vs Renting a Bier

For a single funeral, renting is almost always the sensible choice, and in most cases the funeral home already includes one in its facilities charge - ask before you source your own. Buying makes sense for churches, funeral homes and organisations holding services regularly, since a bier is reusable indefinitely and is never buried.

If you are buying, check the weight rating against the loaded casket, confirm the wheels suit your flooring, and make sure it collapses if it needs to travel.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is a bier at a funeral?

Answer: A bier is the stand that holds a casket or coffin during a funeral service or viewing. Most modern biers have concealed wheels so the casket can be moved without lifting.

• What is the difference between a bier and a catafalque?

Answer: A catafalque is a raised and usually ornamental bier, used in requiem masses and formal or state funerals. A standard bier is plain and functional.

• Why is a bier called a church truck?

Answer: Because modern biers have wheels and are used to move caskets around churches and funeral homes. The two words describe the same object.

• Is a bier buried with the casket?

Answer: No. The bier stays above ground and is reused for other funerals. Only the casket is buried.

• Do I need to buy a bier for a funeral?

Answer: Usually not. Funeral homes normally supply a bier as part of their facilities. Buying is generally only worthwhile for churches and organisations holding services regularly.