Recently, pallbearers have become a meme widely used by social media users. This meme originates from a tradition in some countries (like Ghana) in Africa. Typically, funerals in many countries around the world are held in a somber and sorrowful atmosphere. However, the people of Ghana have a completely different belief—they want to hold a funeral… that is joyful.
Because of this belief, the people of Ghana also invite “pallbearers” or the Pallbearers Dance to perform the coffin-carrying dance together. This country believes that funerals should not be sad events. The deceased will continue a new life, so it must be a joyous occasion, and thus the Pallbearers Dance is present to make the funeral more lively.
In fact, the pallbearers have been known for a long time, but recently they have surged as a new meme trend. Returning to the meaning of these pallbearers, the people of Ghana want their loved ones to enter a new world happily. This is perhaps also part of the reason why people in this country or a few African countries choose uniquely shaped coffins, to dispel the sorrow usually associated with funerals seen in many countries around the world.
The “happy and joyful” style is not only reflected in the coffin-carrying but also in the production of the coffins themselves. Typically, these coffins cost several hundred dollars, but they can also reach very high prices, depending on the intricacy and creativity of the craftsman. For example, this fish-shaped coffin was auctioned off for a very high price, reaching $7930.
