bier in English
- bier⇄bier, noun.
1. a movable stand or framework on which a coffin or dead body is placed before burial.
2. such a stand together with the coffin.
3. a tomb; sepulcher.
bier in Sindhi سنڌي
bier in Urdu اُردُو
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Bier
Part of Speech
Noun
Pronunciation
/bɪər/
Definitions
- Noun: A frame or stand used to carry or display a coffin at a funeral.
- Noun: A bier can also refer to a platform or structure on which a dead body is placed before burial or cremation.
Usage Examples
- The coffin was placed on the bier, surrounded by mourners.
- Traditionally, the bier is carried by pallbearers during the funeral procession.
- The bier was adorned with flowers as a sign of respect for the deceased.
Etymology
The word "bier" comes from the Old English "byre," meaning "a platform or raised structure." It has its roots in the Proto-Germanic word *burą, meaning "a raised structure" or "a platform." The term evolved over time to specifically refer to the stand used in funeral rituals to hold a coffin.
Synonyms
- Coffin stand
- Funeral platform
- Funeral bier
- Pall
Antonyms
- Grave
- Crypt
- Vault
Translations
| Language | Translation | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| Spanish | Estrado funerario | /esˈtɾaðo fuˈneɾaɾjo/ |
| French | Bièrre | /bjɛʁ/ |
| German | Sargträger | /zaːɡˈtʁɛːɡɐ/ |
| Italian | Letto funebre | /ˈletːo ˈfunɛbre/ |
| Chinese (Mandarin) | 灵柩架 | /língjiù jià/ |
| Russian | Гробовая платформа | /ˈɡrəbəvaja plətfɔˈrəmə/ |
| Portuguese | Estrado funerário | /esˈtɾadu fuˈneɾaɾju/ |
| Arabic | منصة الجنازة | /mināṣat aljanāza/ |
| Hindi | मृत शरीर का मंच | /mr̥t śarīr kā maṁc/ |
| Bengali | শবদেহের মঞ্চ | /śabadēhēra maṅca/ |
| Punjabi | ਲাশ ਪਲੇਟਫਾਰਮ | /lāśa plēṭaphārama/ |
| Marathi | शवयात्रेचे मंच | /śavayātrēcē maṅca/ |
| Gujarati | મૃતદેહનું મંચ | /mr̥tadēhnuṁ maṅca/ |
| Malayalam | ശവദേഹം കയറ്റുന്ന വേദി | /śavadhēhaṁ kayarunna vēdi/ |
| Tamil | சடல மேடை | /caṭala mēṭai/ |
| Telugu | శవసమాచారం వేదిక | /śavasamācāraṁ vēdika/ |
Regional Pronunciation Variations
- In some English dialects, the "ie" in "bier" may sound closer to the "ee" in "beer."
- In Southern English, "bier" may be pronounced with a softer, more relaxed vowel sound, resembling "bee-er."
Historical Usage
The word "bier" has been in use since the Middle Ages, commonly referring to the raised platform on which a body was placed during funeral rites. It was historically used in Christian funeral processions, where the bier would be carried to the church or burial site by mourners. The term has remained in usage for centuries, particularly in funeral contexts.
Cultural Nuances
In many cultures, the bier is not just a functional object, but also an important symbol of respect and reverence for the deceased. In Western traditions, especially in Europe and North America, the bier often serves as the central focus of the funeral, representing the solemnity and finality of death. In some cultures, the bier may be decorated with flowers or religious symbols, reflecting the community's respect for the life that has passed.
More Information
The bier is an essential part of funeral traditions around the world. While it is primarily used to carry the deceased, it is also a symbol of the journey from life to death. In modern funeral practices, the bier has evolved into various forms, including motorized vehicles or simpler structures. The tradition of using a bier continues to play an important role in providing a dignified and respectful means of transporting the deceased in accordance with cultural norms and religious beliefs.