After the wake, the coffin is nailed shut, representing the separation of the dead from the living. Guests turn away during the sealing of the coffin - to watch is considered bad luck. To protect the deceased from dangerous spirits, yellow and white holy paper is pasted to the coffin.
Food is placed in front of the coffin as an offering to them. During the wake, the person's comb is broken in two; one half is placed in the coffin and the other half is given to the family members. An altar is placed at the feet of the deceased person. A white candle is lit and incense is burned.
Because death is viewed as inauspicious, pregnant women or children are discouraged from attending wakes. Visitors, who are expected to dress in dark colours, light a single joss stick and pay their respects to the dead by bowing once while holding the joss stick with both hands.
When a death occurs in a family all statues of deities in the house are covered with red paper (so as not to be exposed to the body or coffin) and mirrors removed from sight, as it is believed that one who sees the reflection of a coffin in a mirror will shortly have a death in his/her family.
Refrain from entertainment. After the funeral, the family and close relatives to the deceased are supposed to refrain from entertainment and merry-making. This is a basic rule that should be adhered to during such times and events.
The following are some improvised post-funeral observations for your reference: During the wake period: Refrain from trimming your nails or hair, as these have been given by one's parents. During the initial days of their passing, such acts must be avoided.
Guests at a Chinese funeral wear somber colors like black. Bright and colorful clothing, especially red, must be avoided as these colors are associated with happiness. White is acceptable and, if the deceased was 80 or above, white with pink or red is acceptable as the event is cause for celebration.
Immediate and extended family and friends attend the wake. Pregnant or engaged couples do not attend the funeral. Chinese superstition says this will invite bad luck to these individuals.
After the funeral, there is a procession to the gravesite or crematory. Tradition calls for the loved one's oldest son or grandson to lead, carrying a large portrait of the loved one and the incense holder. Other family members follow the leader. Friends and other guests walk behind the family.
Funeral guests are required to light incense for the deceased and bow as a sign of respect to the family. There will also be a donation box since money is always offered as a sign of respect to the family of the deceased. This money will also help the family defray the costs of the funeral.
Chinese traditional culture believes that loud music will keep evil spirits away, as well as loud music symbolises that the deceased is fully respected. Thus, the funeral is conducted grandly to pave a grand exit for the deceased.
If the deceased was less than 80 years old when he or she passed, stick with traditional mourning colors like navy, black, or white. However, if the deceased was over the age of 80, the color pink may also be worn. Pink is a color that symbolizes joy and happiness in Chinese culture.
The Red String that you will usually see at a Chinese Funeral. The red string is a symbol of blessing the departed and the family members wish to give to you; to thank you for attending the funeral. What you need to do, is to coil the red string on any of your fingers.
7. The Return of the Dead. The Chinese believe the soul of the deceased returns to his or her home seven days after death. To ensure the soul finds its way, a red plaque bearing an inscription is placed outside the home.
A Chinese funeral generally lasts about 7 days. The mourning period can last a lot longer, sometimes up to 100 days after which there can be a final ceremony.
Eberhard explained that sin in Chinese culture can be defined as actions, behaviour, and thoughts which violate rules set up by supernatural powers. This violation of rules set by earthly powers results in the development of the emotional concept of 'legal guilt'.
Do not touch, hug, lock arms, back slap or make any body contact. Clicking fingers or whistling is considered very rude. Never put your feet on a desk or a chair. Never gesture or pass an object with your feet.
The sort of blue pictured below is colloquially known as 'funeral blue' in Chinese culture, as the colour can be commonly found in funeral parlours and Chinese traditional funeral ceremonies. Unsurprisingly, such a colour is therefore considered inauspicious.
Funerals are sombre affairs, so wearing neutral, monochrome colours are expected when attending a funeral. Some religions and traditions have set attire for the family members, but if you are just a visitor to the funeral, colours like black, white, or muted shades are acceptable.
Good choices for flowers include lilies and chrysanthemums, particularly in white or yellow. According to most traditions, Chinese culture recognizes them as funeral flowers. Roses are acceptable but only in white.
Grandchildren of the deceased wear dark blue and great-grandchildren wear light blue. Siblings, cousins, aunts and uncles may also wear light blue. All others attending a funeral wear bright colors, even white, to signify that their relationship to the deceased was not as strong as close family members.
As my father lifted me up to my yeye's thin, colourless face, I summoned the courage to kiss my grandfather goodbye. Bowing three times in Chinese culture is way of showing respect to Heaven, Earth and all life. It is a gesture that humbles us to the mystery and power of what is vast and unspeakable.
Families typically wear white and opt not to wear jewelry. Red is not worn in clothing or accessories, as it is considered a color of happiness. Western influences have made black attire more acceptable at Chinese funerals, but in some instances, guests who wear black will add a white armband to their outfits.
Black symbolised winter, the heavens and the unknown in ancient Chinese tradition. In modern Chinese culture, black is an unlucky color that represents destruction and suffering.