Planning

How many days is a Taoist funeral wake?

How long a Taoist wake runs, what happens each day, and how families choose.

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A common first question is simply how long a Taoist wake lasts. In Singapore, wakes most often run three, five or seven days, and the choice depends on the family’s custom and the guidance of the Taoist priest.

Choosing the number of days

There is no single correct length. An odd number of days is traditional. Families weigh their customs, the time relatives need to gather, and practical matters such as the wake venue. The priest may also advise on auspicious timing.

What happens across the days

In the first hours, the deceased is collected and prepared, and the altar and wake are set up. Across the wake days, the Taoist priests lead the chanting and the merit rituals (功德), and relatives and friends come to pay respects. On the final day, a last round of prayers is held before the casket is sealed and carried out for the cremation.

The setup for however long you choose

We arrange the venue and the full setup, whether at a void deck, a parlour or your own home, for the number of days you choose, so your family only needs to be present.

Common questions

FAQ

How many days does a Taoist wake last?

Taoist wakes in Singapore most commonly run three, five or seven days. The length depends on the family’s custom and the guidance of the Taoist priest.

Why is an odd number of days chosen for a Taoist wake?

An odd number of days is traditional for Taoist wakes. Families also consider the time relatives need to gather and the guidance of the priest on auspicious timing.

What happens on each day of a Taoist wake?

In the first hours the deceased is prepared and the altar set up; across the wake days the priests lead the chanting and merit rituals; on the final day a last round of prayers is held before the cremation.

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