3 Fascinating Asian Funeral Practices
The funeral traditions of most cultures have stood the test of time, and they continue to be practised to this day. For funeral homes, appreciating diversity is crucial because it ensures that clients get the best possible services in line with their funeral rites. The Asian culture is fascinating as far as funeral traditions go, and any serious funeral home must follow the rituals fully. This article highlights interesting practices of Asian funerals.
Burning Fake Money
If you think that money cannot buy happiness, you know very little about Asian funeral traditions. According to many communities in the Asian culture, money is considered necessary in the afterlife. Ideally, a grieving family wants to make sure that their deceased loved one is 'rich in the afterlife.' Also known as joss paper or ghost money, fake money in Asian funerals come in three types; copper for the newly deceased, gold for higher gods, and silver for ancestral spirits. In some cases, a grieving family burns fake money together with the loved one's clothes so that they have something to wear when they cross over to the spirit world.
Burn Odd Number of Incense Sticks
You probably know that burning incense is common in some Asian cultures, not just in funerals. Ideally, burning incense is supposed to keep evil spirits away from a funeral service. It also prevents evil spirits from following mourners back to their homes from a funeral. However, you might not know that the Asian tradition allows mourners only to burn an odd number of incense sticks, never an even number. It stems from the cultural belief that odd numbers bring good luck as opposed to even numbers. Non-Asians must understand this when attending an Asian funeral to avoid awkward situations.
Funeral Accompanied by 49 Days of Mourning
For many cultures, communal mourning stops after a funeral service. However, it is not the case for Asian communities because mourning continues for 49 days after a funeral. It is done every seven days and can take place at the deceased's home or funeral home. Thus, funeral home directors must ask a grieving family if they plan to book the facility for prayers at least once every seven days. Such forethought is crucial since it prevents inconveniences resulting from a lack of communication by both parties. It is best to let clients know early enough if a funeral home cannot provide space for the 49-day mourning period so that they can look elsewhere.
If you need to organize an Asian funeral, contact a local funeral home.
