A Guide to Chinese Funeral Traditions
At times of mourning, people adhere to diverse rituals, practices and traditions depending on the culture. Chinese funeral traditions vary with the location of the deceased and the family, but some basic traditions remain the same.
If you are planning a funeral but are unsure what to include in the rites of passage, below are some valuable tips to get you started.
The Ideal Colours to Wear
Black serves as the colour of mourning at western funerals. As a result, the mourners don black clothing during the funeral. Chinese funerals have different customs, though.
Black is only worn by the deceased's spouse, children and daughters-in-law, but they can also wear white mourning clothes. Grandchildren and great-grandchildren of the deceased wear blue. Families of the deceased also do not wear jewellery to the funeral.
All others attending a funeral wear bright colours, even white. Nevertheless, you should avoid red because it symbolises happiness.
Attending the Wake
Asians value having a long time to grieve their loved ones. As a result, they hold a wake that lasts several days and adheres strictly to Chinese tradition.
The family should hold an overnight vigil with the person's picture, flowers and candles placed on the body, and family members sit near the body overnight.
At a vigil, family and friends bring white flower wreaths adorned with verses and rhymes. Additionally, guests give white envelopes with odd amounts of money to the family to help with funeral expenses.
The Funeral Ceremony
Families burn joss paper during funerals, fake paper money and miniature items shaped as things like cars, houses and televisions. Family members can give a eulogy; if the deceased was religious, they can also pray for them. In the funeral procession, the family walks at the front, followed by the coffin in a hearse. Friends and associates complete the procession.
Chinese either bury or cremate their dead. Following the funeral, the family will distribute red envelopes containing coins to guests.
After the Interment
Family members wear coloured cloth on their sleeves for a few months to symbolise they will remain in mourning. In the case of a man, the cloth is on the left sleeve. The cloth goes to the right sleeve if a woman has died.
The following events include an annual memorial known as Ching Ming, a Chinese remembrance tradition.
Families gather to commemorate and honour their ancestors during Ching Ming. Family members clean, weed and repair their loved ones' gravestones. You can also leave food offerings, prayer candles, decorative flowers and incense on gravesites.
If you are unsure of your role at a funeral, always be respectful and seek guidance from a family member, friend or the funeral director.
For more info about Asian funerals, contact a local professional.
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