The eldest son is suppose to sit at the left shoulder of his parent's coffin and the spouse of the deceased sits on the right. Bright and colorful clothes are avoided during the mourning period. As a token of gratitude, the family of the deceased hands out red envelopes filled with coins. Traditional landscaping is often paired with a modern touch that provides a refreshing, sleek atmosphere filled with tradition.

Why? The Chinese government recognizes five major religions, Buddhism, Catholicism, Islam, and Protestantism.

These religious subcultures play a role in the structure of funerals.

Much like the wake, family members will bing fruit, incense, and money to the funeral service. The head of the family should at least be present at first prayer ceremony, if possible at second prayer ceremony and certainly at the burial or cremation. The white envelopes are similar to red envelopes that are given at weddings. A lot of rules and rituals are followed in the Chinese culture — and if traditional funeral etiquette isn’t followed, it’s said to bring bad luck to the family. She studied Mandarin Chinese in Beijing and Taipei and has written for Newsweek International, Elle Girl, and the Chicago Tribune. The Chinese funeral flower is the iris and it’s common for relatives to bring wreaths made of white irises and it’s customary for the deceased's employer to bring a wreath wrapped in Irises and money. After returning home the family will use an ancestral tablet to worship the deceased. A plaque is placed outside of the home of the deceased after the funeral ends. This link will open in a new window. The following tradition is also held at the wake in China.

Generally speaking, people drop in at relatives and friends' houses, bringing gifts or red envelopes, and greeting one another with 'Happy New Year'. This ceremony includes the Buddhist ceremony and 3 succeeding periods of ten days until the burial or cremation. Then the deceased is dressed in the finest clothes.

The deceased is either buried or cremated, depending on the deceased’s belief system. Incense, food, fruit, and other gifts are placed on the grave. Some funerals can last up to 45 days. It is becoming more popular for foreigners to be invited into Chinese homes for dinner. Wedding … People should never watch it as it brings bad luck. In some rural places, where families have many relatives, this activity lasts for several days. There are rules considering the position of the coffin. And in case the eldest son dies his role is taken by the second son of the family. The Chinese believe that the soul of the deceased will come and visit 7 days after the funeral and the plaque ensures that the soul does not get lost. The amount of money put in the envelope varies depending on the relationship to the deceased but must be in odd numbers. The money is meant to help the family pay for the funeral. Some music with gong, flute or trumpet is performed. The wake can occur in a couple of different places. First 7 days are believed to be the most important. The sons and daughters wear black and white mourning clothes and walk in the front row of the procession. Etiquette for Visiting a Chinese Home.

This stick is a symbol of the soul. During the festival, many people visit … Funeral dress customarily involves somber clothing and doesn’t feature designs or patterns.

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Traditional Chinese funeral flowers are white. Traditional Chinese culture believes that loud music will keep evil spirits away.

Traditionally children and grandchildren of the deceased would not cut their hair for 49 days after the death. Learn the proper etiquette for visiting a Chinese home. This link will open in a new window. White is the color reserved for death in Chinese culture. If a family of the deceased is poor this period can be short, lasting for only 3 days. Let's mention two more of Chinese traditions that are held when someone dies. Traditional Chinese culture believes that loud music will keep evil spirits away. People who carry the coffin are believed to be blessed.

This packet is a sign of gratitude from the family of the deceased. Cake's blog posts contain affiliate links and we earn commission from purchases made through these links. During the wake, family and friends bring flowers, which are elaborate wreaths that include banners with couplets written on them, and white envelopes filled with cash. Accept. Before visiting a sick person, it is best to prepare a gift. A Chinese wake can last between five to seven days and depends on the age and social influence of the deceased. This is to show gratitude for the deceased’s hard work and service to the company. Either way, an RSVP is expected.