Honoring Departed Souls: Knowing the Tradition

Funerals are significant customs that commemorate the loss of a loved one and provide an opportunity for friends and family to offer condolences. Each culture has its own unique customs and rituals to honour and mourn the departed soul. Chinese funerals, with their complex and detailed nature, encompass a variety of practices and customs that have been followed for generations.

Chinese funerals have a long history and are firmly rooted in cultural norms and traditional values influenced by Confucianism, Taoism, and Buddhism. While specific rituals may vary depending on the geographical area and the family’s religious beliefs, there are several common features found in the majority of Chinese funerals.

In Chinese culture, funerals are seen as a way to show respect for the departed and ensure their peaceful transition into the afterlife. These rituals hold great importance in ensuring the well-being of the deceased in their journey beyond life. The steps involved in a Chinese funeral are multifaceted and encompass various aspects of honouring the departed and supporting their spiritual journey.

This article will explore the intricate steps and traditions, with a particular focus on the customs followed in Chinese funerals in Singapore.

Chinese Funeral Customs and Traditions:

a) Ancestor Worship: Ancestor worship holds great importance in Chinese culture, where it is believed that the departed souls continue to influence the lives of their descendants. To honor and appease the departed, practices such as prayers, burning incense, and making offerings are conducted as part of ancestor worship.

b) Filial Piety: The concept of filial piety is deeply ingrained in Chinese culture, emphasizing the respect and care shown towards parents and ancestors. Children are expected to fulfill their duties towards their deceased parents, which includes organizing appropriate burial ceremonies and ensuring their well-being in the afterlife.

c) Feng Shui: Chinese funeral customs heavily incorporate the principles of feng shui, which involve arranging the environment in a harmonious and orderly manner. It is believed that the final resting place of the deceased should have a positive energy flow and be in alignment with natural surroundings, reflecting the influence of feng shui practices.

Pre-Funeral Preparations:

Before the funeral takes place, there are several customary preparations that are typically carried out by the deceased’s family, close relatives, and friends. Here are some common pre-funeral preparations:

a) Notification of Passing: The family shares the news of their loved one’s passing with relatives, friends, and the wider community. They communicate essential details regarding the funeral arrangements, such as the location and schedule of the wake or funeral service, enabling people to pay their respects and participate in the funeral proceedings.

b) Funeral Committee: A committee is formed to oversee the various aspects of the funeral arrangements. Typically comprised of family members and close friends, this committee takes on specific duties and responsibilities to ensure the smooth execution of the funeral proceedings.

c) Chinese Funeral Wake: A funeral wake, in Chinese tradition, takes place either near the deceased’s home or a funeral parlour. It spans a period of about three to seven days, during which family and friends gather to offer condolences, pay their respects to the departed, and provide support to the grieving family. The wake serves as a communal gathering where mourners can share their memories and support one another in the grieving process.

The Day of the Funeral:

The choice of a Taoist, Buddhist, or Confucian priest to officiate the funeral service depends on the religious preferences of the family.

• Formation of funeral procession, typically accompanied by a hearse or a car carrying the casket.
• Relatives and friends follow behind the hearse, walking in procession.
• Mourners may carry funeral banners and burn incense as a symbolic gesture.
• Mourners dress in white or black attire, representing mourning and paying respects to the deceased.

a) Chanting and Prayers: Chanting and prayers are performed during the funeral to guide the soul of the departed and seek blessings for their peaceful journey in the afterlife.

b) Ritual Offerings: The funeral ritual involves making various offerings to the deceased. These offerings can include paper money, food, and objects symbolizing prosperity and joy in the afterlife.

c) Burial or Cremation: Chinese funeral customs allow for both burial and cremation, with the choice depending on cultural and religious beliefs.

Post-Funeral Rituals:

a) Mourning Period: In Chinese tradition, it is customary to observe a mourning period of approximately 100 days. This period signifies the time it may take for the soul of the departed to be reborn. During this period, family members often wear mourning attire, abstain from attending joyous events, and refrain from engaging in celebratory activities. As a mark of respect for the deceased, close family members may also choose to shave their heads.

b) Ancestral Worship: Following the funeral, the family continues to engage in customary ancestor worship practices. These rituals aim to honor the departed and maintain a connection with their soul. It involves reciting prayers, lighting incense, and making offerings at the ancestral altar.

c) Tomb Sweeping Day: On Tomb Sweeping Day, also known as Qing Ming Festival, family members visit the graves of their ancestors to pay respects. During this time, they clean the tomb area, leave offerings, and perform rituals. It is a way to honor and remember the deceased. Symbolically, the deceased’s comb is often split in two, representing their passing.

d) Giving of Red Envelopes: After the funeral, it is customary for visitors to receive red envelopes from the deceased’s relatives. These envelopes contain money and are considered as lucky charms or tokens of goodwill.

e) Yearly Remembrance: The Qing Ming Festival is a traditional Chinese festival usually taking place in early April. It is a time when people pay homage to their ancestors by cleaning their gravesites. Families may also offer food, burn incense, and engage in prayers to honor and remember their departed loved ones.

Chinese Funeral Customs in Singapore:

Over time, Chinese funeral traditions in Singapore have evolved due to the diverse ethnic Chinese population residing in the country. While certain customs have remained unchanged, others have been adapted to align with the local culture.

Chinese funerals often encompass a combination of Taoist, Buddhist, and Confucian rituals, representing the multicultural and multi-religious composition of the population. This blending of traditions acknowledges and respects the diverse beliefs and practices present within the Chinese community in Singapore.

Conclusion:

Chinese funeral customs hold deep roots in tradition, reflecting the significance of family, ancestor reverence, and cultural beliefs. They serve as a means for families to pay homage to and remember their departed loved ones.

Chinese funerals encompass a range of ceremonies and practices aimed at honoring the deceased and facilitating a peaceful transition to the afterlife. Appreciating these traditions allows for a deeper understanding of the cultural heritage and offers support to those exper

iencing grief. Despite variations in execution across different regions and groups, the core customs and rituals remain consistent.

Chinese funeral traditions have adapted over time to accommodate the nation’s multicultural environment and practical considerations. To attend a Chinese funeral in Singapore or gain insight into this vibrant cultural legacy, it is essential to acknowledge and respect these rituals.