Funerals and burials of loved ones is a matter taken very seriously among the Chinese, and proper arrangements must be made. If it is taken lightly, it is believed that it will bring misfortune and bad luck to the family.
It is traditional that Chinese have burials, but in recent years, especially in a small country like Singapore, cremation is getting very common. However the dead are still given due respect and proper funeral arrangements are usually made.
Respect and filial piety is traditionally one of the core values among Chinese all over the world. It is essential that the younger generations show respect to their elders. Even after their passing, the younger generation still has to show respect and give them a proper funeral worthy of their status, with prayers and rites.
An unborn child is usually buried in silence, unlike that of an elderly person. Thus this further shows the tradition of respect that Chinese have for their elders and not the young. It is unsuspicious for the elderly to 'send off' their descendants
Before the deceased is placed in a coffin, he or she will be cleaned, have make-up put on and dressed in his or her favourite clothes, so that the deceased will 'look at his/her best' at burial.
Traditional Chinese coffins are the rectangular ones with three humps or cushions, usually supporting the neck, back and legs of the decease. But in recent years, western-styled coffins are used. The coffin will not be sealed until after the funeral wake.
The coffins will then be placed either at a funeral parlour or at an empty space near the deceased's home. In Singapore, it is very common to see wakes help at void decks, which are empty areas just below a block of apartments for social activities to be held. A set of clothes and his/her photo will be placed at the head of the coffin together with offerings, for relatives and friends to pay their respects.
At the wake, red clothing has to be avoided. Dull colors are usually worn, with different color patches pined onto their sleeves. Black, blue and green patches are worn according to the relation with the deceased. Patches are won on either the left of right sleeve, depending on the gender of the deceased. It is traditional for daughters-in-law and children to wear a brown hood over their heads, but this practice is seldom seen in Singapore, but countries like Hong Kong still do.
Incense, joss paper and joss money are burnt throughout the wake. Relatives and guests have to offer joss sticks at the alter upon visiting the wake.
People will have to turn away from the coffin as it is sealed, and the pall bearers will carry it to the hearse, where relatives and friends gather to walk towards the cemetery with the hearse. The coffin is not carried directly to the cemetery but is first placed on the side of the road outside the house, where more prayers are offered and papers scattered. The coffin is placed in a hearse which moves slowly for a mile (or more rarely, it is carried a mile), with the eldest son and family members following behind with their heads or hands touching the hearse.
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