Understanding the Journey of a Chinese Funeral Wake

The funeral journey itself is a big deal in many traditions. It often requires a lot of practice. Funeral rituals vary across different cultures. Also, this whole set of rituals and beliefs is different across nations. The traditional Chinese funeral wake practices are quite deep.

Chinese funeral is a reflection of their customs and rich history. A ceremonial ritual often reflects the gratitude of the friends and family to the deceased person. Chinese culture is known for its richness and traditions. Their breathtaking way of arranging ceremonies is always an attention grabber.

So let us all explore the way that they perform all the rituals in a funeral ceremony. This article will try to catch the light of the beautiful Chinese funeral practices.

The Beginning: Preparations for the Journey

One of the popular cultures that is often found across Asia is selecting the right date and time for any important preparation. Chinese culture is in no way different from them. As soon as the beloved family and friends are informed, they soon start the preparation. The very first step in this is finding a date and time.

It is believed that any other date or time might affect the ceremony. So in order to avoid these Feng Shui master is consulted. They then decide the date and time. All of these are practised to avoid any negative energy. Also, it is believed if this is not followed there will be chances of misfortune. Hence to avoid an ideal time must be pre-decided.

The Venue and Setting

Typically a Chinese Funeral in Singapore is either arranged at home or at a specific funeral parlour. Whichever the place is decided it is prepared by displaying photos of the deceased. Also, the displayed photographs are decorated with garlands. The whole venue is decorated with flowers and other decorations.

The whole thing is kept quite simple. Also, the set-up is decorated with candles, incense and other flowers. All of these are done to honour the departed soul. It is often seen the visitors offering a flower and lighting incense in front of the photograph. Hence a place is kept for all these offerings.

The Funeral Dress Code

Chinese tradition often has a specific traditional attire for different occasions. This may vary across the diverse culture within the rich Chinese community. The family members of the departed soul dress in a particular type for the ceremony. Most commonly black or white are the preferred colours. This dress code symbolizes grief and emptiness. Well-wishers and other visitors also follow the particular dress code.

It is often seen that the son or son-in-law wears a black armband. Mostly the conservative Chinese customs prefer wearing black attire. If you are new to the culture feel free to ask about the different customs and rules. Mostly black is the more acceptable colour for funeral attire.

The Ultimate Welcome

This event marks the very beginning of the journey of the deceased soul. So this ceremony is accompanied by reciting prayers, burning incense etc. A Taoist priest or a Buddhist priest chants the prayers. All of these are done in order to guide the soul on the new journey.

The Respect Ceremony:-

Throughout the ongoing process, visitors are allowed. They come and offer condolences to the family. Also typically they bring with them flowers, sweets, fruits or money. All of these are very symbolic. These are believed to help the deceased in the afterlife. After the offering is done by the visitors, incense is burnt as a matter of respect.

Bai-Bai (Worshiping Ritual):-

Bai-bai is an important part of every Chinese funeral ritual. Here the family members offer prayers to the deceased soul. Incense sticks are burnt as well as prayers are recited. A keel-down bow is often observed by the family members. They offer the final ceremonial prayers by doing a repetitive kneel-bow. All of these are a part of the ritual.

The Procession

A very important part of the funeral procession. This is the last ceremonial procession that is celebrated. Prayers are continuously chanted. Flowers are showered to offer respect. All of these are done for the final ceremonial resting place. Mourners carry the casket. It is decorated with flowers and offerings.

The Cremation

Chinese cultures are very diverse and rich. Amongst them, there are a lot of variations. Hence the burial traditions vary depending on regional customs and beliefs. Some may go for burial. Others may hold a cremation ceremony. Lastly, all of these are done to pay final respect and make sure the final journey of the soul is smooth.

After the Funeral Wake

This is the very final mourning ritual. Usually, after the ceremonial burial or cremation a mourning period is observed. Often this mourning period is observed by the family members and relatives. This period may typically last up to 49 days.

During this whole period, certain rituals are seen. Regular prayers are offered. Any celebratory event is avoided. Continuous prayers are offered to the departed soul. This whole time allows the soul to finally have a peaceful transition to the afterlife.

Conclusion

The complete journey of a Chinese funeral wake is very unique. As a rich culture, every individual ritual that is observed holds a meaning. Chinese people are very particular about their traditions and belief. The core ceremony is observed by the close relatives and of course by the family members.

Friends and other well-wishers join the ceremony and pay their final respects. All of these are believed to help the departed soul have a smooth transition. Knowing this helps to understand Chinese culture more thoroughly.