Taoist Funerals in Singapore: Customs, Traditions and Etiquettes to Know Of
As we go through life, funerals are something we eventually witness, attend, or unfortunately participate in. These events often come with much confusion, discomfort and perhaps, even a general sense of loss.
Our four-part series will provide you with the answers you’re looking for, by delving into the funeral customs, traditions and etiquettes of Singapore’s four major religious groups. In this third part of the series, we’ll explore the ins and outs of Taoist funerals. Read on to find out more!
What is a Taoist funeral?
In a country where the Chinese ethnic group is the majority, we’ve all seen our fair share of ‘Chinese’ funerals. These Chinese funerals typically fall into either of two categories—Buddhist or Taoist.
You may already know that within the Chinese ethnic group, there are several different dialects, and each dialect group under the Taoist religion has its unique customs. Though this is the case, the essence of a Taoist funeral is the same regardless of the dialect group.
Most Taoist funerals have priests onsite to offer prayers and meditation, as well as to guide the family through the different rituals.
Taoist Funeral Tradition and Customs
So, what exactly is the essence of a Taoist funeral? Well, let’s take a look at some of the customs and traditions!
First, the casket and the body of the loved one are usually sent to the wake site separately. Upon entering a Taoist funeral, you’ll almost always spot an altar with fruits, candles, joss sticks and the deceased’s portrait, alongside an offering of their favourite foods. Unlike Buddhist funeral set-ups, there won’t be any Buddha statue or motif displayed.
Aside from these Taoist funeral traditions that are more visual, you may also come across priests reading the sutras and reciting chants. Some families may opt to have these priests invited throughout the course of the wake, while others may prefer to have them only at certain points of the wake.
Some families of the Cantonese dialect group may also choose to have a priest perform a fire ritual known as “Breaking the Hell’s Gate”. As its name suggests, this ritual symbolises the priest breaking down hell’s door to save the deceased and lead their soul out of the netherworld to enter reincarnation.
During the funeral, joss paper is burnt, this includes things like hell money, as well as paper cars, houses, phones and televisions. It’s believed that these items will follow the loved one into the afterlife, making their time in the spirit world more comfortable.
Rituals that are practised across all Taoist denominations include the “Summoning of Soul” (calling out the deceased’s name in hopes that they will be resurrected), burning of joss paper and chanting of sutras.
A procession follows at the end of the wake, where family members of the deceased trail behind the hearse containing the casket. They do this for a short distance before making their way to the cremation or burial site. This procession symbolises the last journey and send-off of the deceased. A marching band is usually part of the procession. The loud music is believed to scare away unwanted spirits.
While funerals traditionally contain more sombre connotations, Chinese customs do incorporate a slightly more celebratory tone if the deceased is above 100 years of age. In such a context, the family serves what is known as longevity peach buns to celebrate the long and prosperous life lived by the deceased.
Taoist Funeral Etiquette: What do you do at a Taoist funeral?
You might ask, do these traditions extend to us as guests at a wake? Are there things we should take note of when attending a Taoist funeral?
While most of the Taoist funeral traditions are specific to those who are directly involved in the wake (i.e. the family of the deceased), it’s always courteous and respectful for us as guests to familiarise ourselves with the traditions.
For Taoist funeral ceremonies, family members are usually dressed in white. For guests, darker colours are often adhered to, though white is also acceptable. Red is to be avoided (as this is a colour that’s often associated with celebratory occasions within the Chinese ethnic group). In the case where the deceased was 80 or above, white with pink or red accents is acceptable as the deceased’s long life is seen as a cause for celebration.
It’s understandable that some of us may be averse to offering joss sticks, whether due to religious or personal reasons. Offering a simple bow or moment of silence when viewing the deceased are viable forms of showing one’s respect as well.
Other typical forms of expressing sympathy and condolence are through the giving of baijin (condolence money) and the gifting of sympathy stands (whether floral or LED). If you’re intending to gift the bereaved family LED sympathy stands, do be sure to engage a licensed LED wreath vendor as Singapore’s government has recently tightened the rules surrounding the display of such stands.
These days, funeral parlours in Singapore are also incorporating wishing trees and memory books. Guests can leave condolence messages and share fond anecdotes of the deceased, adding a personal touch to the funeral proceedings.
After all, what better way to honour the legacy of those who are no longer with us than to remember the beautiful moments that we once shared with them?
Taoist Funerals in Singapore: Choosing a Taoist funeral package
With so many different companies offering various kinds of funeral packages in Singapore, it can be hard to decide which one to go with, even if you or your family follow a certain religion. That’s why we’ve come up with a series of articles to help you out. In this third of the four-part series, we’re moving on to talk about how to choose a Taoist funeral package.
Find out average costs
Compared to Buddhist funerals, Taoist funerals often involve more rites and rituals, and use more joss paper products. This is why you’ll find Taoist funerals more expensive. In general, a Taoist funeral costs around $8,000 in Singapore.
When it comes to Taoist funerals especially, some companies charge a higher price for certain dialect groups like Hakka due to the complexity of the rituals performed. That said, you can always request a simple, fuss-free ceremony if you prefer.
Here at Direct Funeral Services, our 3-day, 2-night Taoist funeral packages start from $8,888 (excluding GST), regardless of dialect. And no matter the price, all our packages include a professional service team that will ensure your loved one is sent off as respectfully and dignifiedly as can be.
Direct Funeral Services Taoist Value Package set-up
Understand the package deal
While cost is a big consideration and you should pick a package that’s within your budget, don’t overlook the specifics. Ask for an itemised list upfront and check that the package comes with all the goods and services you want. That way, you can avoid having to top up for additional items later on. One of the biggest red flags to look out for is when a funeral company is ambiguous about what’s offered in their packages.
Buy only what you want
It may be easier to go with a package, but if there are certain elements that you don’t need or want, talk it out with the funeral director to see if they can be replaced with something else. At the same time, it’s alright to say no if the funeral director tries to upsell you items or services that you don’t necessarily need.
As a rule of thumb, keep calm and seal the deal only after you’ve given a careful thought about the package, as well as the professionalism of the company and its team.
Did you find this Taoist funeral package guide helpful? What else would you like to know? Drop us your suggestion via our Instagram @directfuneralservices! Do also look out for the final part of this series, where we’ll share with you the things to note when choosing a Christian funeral package.
Taoist Basic Package (3 Days Wake)
$8,888
Inclusive of 9% GST $9,687.92
| Embalming, Handling & Encoffin Service | |
| 1 | Collection of Deceased |
| 2 | Professional Embalming & Makeup |
| 3 | Peace Casket (E04) |
| Preparation of Memorial Ceremony | |
| 4 | Wake (Void Deck with Full White Drapery) – Void Deck Enclosure – Round Table – Square Table – Chairs – Fans – General Lighting |
| 5 | Floral Arrangement – Chrysanthemums |
| 6 | Photo Enlargement – 1 Large Photo with 10” X 12” Wooden Frame – 6 Passport Size Photos |
| 7 | Dignified Taoist Altar Set-up |
| 8 | Heaven & Earth Blanket |
| 9 | Condolence Donation Book |
| Coordination of Funeral Service & Memorial Ceremony | |
| 10 | Professional Service Team |
| 11 | Taoist Prayer Service – Encoffinment – Final Night – Funeral |
| 12 | Paper House, Pre-folded Joss Paper, Burning Tray |
| 13 | Lantern & Lantern Bearer |
| 14 | Mobile Toilet |
| Funeral Procession Service | |
| 15 | Di Zang Wang Pu Sa Hearse |
| 16 | Air Conditioned Bus for 45 Pax |
| 17 | Towel Souvenirs for Guests |
| After Care Service | |
| 18 | Flower Water |
| Items Not Included In Package: – Chiller – Catering – Drinks & Snacks – Mourning Garments | |
| All Prayer Items on Consignment |
Taoist Value Package (3 Days Wake)
$14,988
Inclusive of 9% GST $16,336.92
| Embalming, Handling & Encoffin Service | |
| 1 | Collection of Deceased |
| 2 | Professional Embalming & Makeup |
| 3 | Hops Casket (S803) |
| Preparation of Memorial Ceremony | |
| 4 | Wake (Void Deck with Full White Drapery) – Void Deck Enclosure – Round Table – Square Table – Chairs – Fans – General Lighting |
| 5 | Floral Arrangement – Chrysanthemums |
| 6 | Photo Enlargement – 1 Large Photo with 10” X 12” Wooden Frame – 6 Passport Size Photos |
| 7 | Dignified Taoist Altar Set-up |
| 8 | Heaven & Earth Blanket |
| 9 | Condolence Donation Book |
| Coordination of Funeral Service & Memorial Ceremony | |
| 10 | Professional Service Team |
| 11 | Taoist Prayer Service – Encoffinment – Final Night – Funeral |
| 12 | Paper House, Pre-folded Joss Paper, Burning Tray |
| 13 | Lantern & Lantern Bearer |
| 14 | Mobile Toilet |
| Funeral Procession Service | |
| 15 | Mercedes-Benz Vito Hearse |
| 16 | Air Conditioned Bus for 45 Pax |
| 17 | Towel Souvenirs for Guests |
| After Care Service | |
| 18 | Flower Water |
| All Prayer Items on Consignment |
