Hokkien funeral services in Singapore

A Hokkien Taoist funeral, done properly

Hokkien families are the largest dialect group in Singapore, and the Hokkien Taoist funeral is among the most familiar send-offs held here. It is led by Taoist priests (道士) across the days of the wake, which commonly runs three, five or seven days depending on the family's wishes and the guidance of the priest.

Over those days the priests conduct the merit rituals (功德, gong de), the chanting and ceremonies performed to accumulate merit for the departed and help the soul pass safely into the next world. The rites may include the crossing of the bridge and the breaking of hell's gate. Joss paper and paper effigies, a house, a car, gold and clothing, are prepared and burned so the deceased is provided for in the life ahead.

Within the Hokkien tradition every family keeps its own customs, from the offerings to the order of the rites and the mourning garments worn by each relation. We always ask before we set anything up, so the wake matches what your family knows.

How we honour the Hokkien rites

• Taoist priests arranged for the encoffining, the final night, the funeral day and before the cremation
• A dignified Taoist altar with deity figures, candles and the portrait
• The merit rituals (功德), chanting and the crossing of the bridge
• Joss paper and paper effigies prepared and burned for the journey ahead
• Mourning garments set out by relation, in the Hokkien way
• Cremation at Mandai and the collection and placement of the ashes