Traditional Asian funerals are different from western funerals in many ways. First, the rites and rituals are more elaborate and carried out by specific people. Second, the procedures aim to ensure that the deceased's soul successfully transitions into the afterlife.
So if you need to plan such a funeral but do not know the required rites of passage, here are some valuable tips to get you started.
Choosing the Ideal Colours to Wear
Western funerals lean towards black to indicate that one is mourning. As such, the mourners mainly wear black clothes during the funeral. But this is not always the case with Asian funerals. Though you can go for black, you may choose muted and neutral colours like grey and navy.
Nevertheless, you should avoid red because it symbolises happiness. White is also acceptable, as long as it does not incorporate any elaborate prints and colours. When it comes to the deceased person, you should dress them in white robes.
But if the person has lived for more than eighty years, wearing white, pink, and red robes is allowed. That's because the Asian cultures believe that people who live long enjoyed life and deserve celebration.
Attending the Wake
People of Asian origin value having an extended period to mourn their loved ones. That's why they hold a wake for several days before the burial or cremation. The venue of the wake usually depends on where the person died. If they died inside the house, the casket is placed indoors.
On the other hand, the bereaved will place the casket in the courtyard if their loved one died outside the home. During the burial ceremony, the attending guests carry flowers, fruits and candles to place inside the coffin.
The Burial Ceremony
Some Asian cultures believe in burying their loved ones in a cemetery. Others like Indians mostly cremate the dead. On the other hand, the Chinese have elaborate funerals where they burn miniature items like toy cars and houses. They may also burn paper money. They perform these rituals to ensure that the deceased takes everything they loved into the afterlife.
After the Interment
Asian funerals usually involve post-interment events. That includes an annual memorial, where the bereaved visit the gravesite for a sweeping festival. In this case, you must ensure that the funeral service provider offers an allowance for the annual procession.
These guidelines will go a long way in making your funeral arrangements smoother. However, you should work with a funeral director if you wish to plan the event easily. They understand the Asian culture better and thus will ensure a befitting send-off for your loved one.
Share31 August 2021
Welcome to my blog. My name is Molly, and a few years ago, I lost my husband to heart disease. He had only just turned fifty, and it wasn't anything we were expecting. Through my intense grief, I had to host and organise a funeral. I wanted to include religious elements from our pasts, but I also wanted to be true to the non-religious but spiritual beliefs of my husband. I think many people are in the same position, and if you are, I want to help you. This blog focuses on making funerals meaningful. It provides tips, ideas, facts and more. I hope it inspires you.