Planning an Asian Funeral? Your Ultimate Guide to a Successful Event

Funeral rites and rituals differ widely depending on different races or communities. For instance, traditional Asian funerals are different from those in the west. Their funeral rites and rituals are more intricate and conducted by specific individuals. Besides, their funeral rituals focus more on ensuring that the deceased soul transitions smoothly and peacefully into the afterlife. 

Therefore, if you're planning an Asian funeral but don't know where to start, consider this ultimate guide for a successful event.

Pick the Right Colours for the Occasion

Most western funerals prefer black themes to symbolise the grief of losing a loved one. You'll often find mourners attending such funerals in black outfits. However, that's not always the case for Asian funerals. While you can wear black, other muted or neutral colours like grey are preferable for such events. 

Nevertheless, red wouldn't be an ideal colour choice for an Asian funeral because it symbolises joy and happiness. White would also be preferable, as long as it doesn't contain elaborate prints. As for the deceased, white robes are a popular choice. However, if they have lived more than eighty years, dressing them in red, pink or white robes is allowable. The reason behind this is that the Asian community believes such people have lived long, joyful lives and deserve to be celebrated. 

Considerations for the Funeral Wake 

The Asian community values an extended mourning period after losing their loved ones. For this reason, they'll often hold a wake for several days before cremating or burying the deceased. Usually, the funeral wake's venue depends on where the loved one met their death. 

For instance, they will place their loved one's casket inside the house if the death occurred at home. Conversely, the coffin might be placed in the courtyard if the deceased died outside the house. Guests who come to console the bereaved family can bring flowers, candles or fruits during the burial.

During the Burial Ceremony

While the cemetery might be the ideal burial place in some Asian traditions, others prefer cremating their dead. However, the Chinese have unique rites in which the bereaved burn miniature items like paper money and toy cars. Ideally, they perform such rituals to ensure the deceased goes with everything they held dear to the afterlife. 

After the Interment

Post-interment processes are synonymous with Asian funerals. They might include annual memorials in which the bereave people visit gravesites for sweeping festivals. During these festivals, the funeral home or service provider must offer an allowance for the annual procession. 

Consider this ultimate guide to have a smoother and hassle-free time planning your Asian funeral. Most importantly, work with a reputable funeral director with a deeper understanding of the Asian culture to arrange a smooth send-off for your loved one.  

For more info about Asian funerals, contact a local funeral home.