Clothing for the deceased is chosen with intention, often traditional and in color schemes that adhere to the symbolism ingrained in Chinese culture. White is the traditional color of mourning in China, symbolizing purity and rebirth, and is often chosen for the deceased’s attire.
In contrast, family members may wear black, which signifies the loss and lamentation of the bereaved. Red, a color typically associated with luck and joy in Chinese culture, is conspicuously absent from funerals, as it’s considered highly inappropriate and disrespectful in the context of death.
Offerings are an essential aspect of the wake, ranging from the deceased’s favorite foods to paper money and miniature paper replicas of houses, cars, and other worldly possessions. These items are burned as offerings to ensure that the deceased has all they need in the afterlife, a practice deeply connected to the rituals of death.
Rituals performed during the wake and funeral are numerous and vary according to regional and familial traditions. Chanting, prayers, and vigil-keeping are common, creating an atmosphere of solemnity and remembrance. The lighting of incense is an enduring ritual, its fragrant smoke ascending as if to carry the prayers of the family to the heavens.
Superstitions also play a critical role throughout Chinese funerals. Mirrors may be covered to prevent the deceased’s spirit from getting trapped, and certain taboos are observed, such as avoiding crying near the coffin to prevent burdening the spirit. The direction of the deceased’s spirit is also taken into account, with the coffin often positioned to face a certain way before the funeral procession begins.
The funeral procession itself is an elaborate affair. At the front of the procession, there might be a band playing somber music. This will be followed by family members and, finally, the hearse. The length of the procession and its scale might be seen as a reflection of the deceased person’s status and respect.
The burial itself signifies the end of the ceremonies. The deceased is laid to rest based on any auspicious signs and the tenets of Feng Shui. Earth is gently placed over the coffin, signifying a return to the elements and the cycle of life and death continuing.
In these ways, Chinese funerals serve as a final, loving tribute to the deceased, encapsulating a complex interplay of cultural customs, rituals of death, and the universal human desire to honor and remember those we’ve lost.
Mourning periods
The mourning period within Chinese culture is emblematic of the profound reverence for family ties and ancestral lineage — a cornerstone of societal values. This practice of mourning is a manifestation of filial piety, a Confucian virtue of respect for one’s parents, elders, and ancestors.
As Chinese society has embraced more modern approaches, there’s been a change not just in the duration but in the expression of mourning. The contemporary approach is more commonly a 100-day mourning period, which, while significantly shorter than the traditional three years, still embodies the same spirit of remembrance and honor for the deceased.
The number 100 has its own significance in Chinese culture, often associated with wholeness and completion, making it a fitting period for mourning practices.
Remembering the dead
In Chinese culture, remembering the deceased isn’t limited to the immediate aftermath of passing; it’s an enduring commitment that spans the entire year. This continuous homage is deeply embedded in the Chinese customs for death and the broader cultural fabric. The rituals of death are not seen as a conclusion but as a perpetual cycle of reverence and memory.
One of the most poignant expressions of this ongoing remembrance is the Qingming Festival, also known as Tomb-Sweeping Day. Occurring in early April, this festival is one of the most significant Chinese customs for death, dedicated to the act of ancestor worship.
During Qingming, families visit the gravesites of their ancestors to engage in a ritual cleaning — sweeping away the debris and weeds that have gathered, which is an act of care and respect. This tradition is steeped in the philosophy that maintaining the physical grave is akin to tending to the ancestor’s spirit.
Offerings are a central element of the Qingming Festival, with families bringing food, tea, wine, joss sticks, and paper money to the graves. These offerings are not mere formalities; they’re symbolic gestures of sustenance and prosperity for the ancestors in the afterlife, ensuring their well-being and seeking their blessings in return.
The festival isn’t solely about upkeep and offerings. It’s also a time for families to gather, share stories of their ancestors, and reflect on the legacy that has been passed down to them. It’s a day that reinforces family bonds and transmits the stories and values of previous generations to the young, ensuring that the memories of the ancestors are kept alive.
Beyond Qingming, other days throughout the year are set aside for honoring the deceased, such as the Hungry Ghost Festival, held at a time when the veil between the living and the dead is considered thin, allowing for closer communion with the spirits of ancestors.
Source: Mandarin Blueprint
