From the first call to the final send off, what happens at a Taoist funeral and what each rite means.
Families often feel calmer once they can see the whole journey laid out. Here is the usual sequence of a Taoist funeral in Singapore.
The deceased is collected from the home, hospital or hospice and prepared with care. The death is certified, and the family decides on the length of the wake, the venue and which Taoist priest will lead the prayers. Wakes commonly run three, five or seven days.
The body is cleansed, dressed and placed in the casket, set at the wake with a portrait, candles and a Taoist altar with deity figures for the offerings.
Over the days the wake runs, Taoist priests lead the chanting and the merit rituals (功德). The rites can include the breaking of hell's gate and the crossing of the bridge, performed to help the deceased pass safely into the next world.
Joss paper and paper effigies, such as a house, a car and gold, are burned so the deceased is provided for in the next life. The specific rites and offerings follow your family's dialect group customs.
On the last day a final round of prayers is held before the casket is sealed and carried out. Both cremation and burial are arranged, after which the ashes are collected and placed at a columbarium, as the family wishes.
Dress modestly in white, black or subdued colours. Offer condolences quietly, follow the family's lead during the prayers, and know that your calm presence matters more than knowing every ritual.
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