Understanding Taoist Funeral Traditions in Singapore

Taoist funerals are special events from Taoism, a way of life and belief that began in China. In Singapore, Taoist funerals honor the deceased and facilitate their transfer to the afterlife, where many ethnic groups live side by side. Many elements of a Taoist funeral Singapore mirror the beliefs and practices of the Taoist community. There are two primary reasons it is significant:

● They help the person who has passed away find their way to the afterlife.

● They also keep loved ones safe from harm or bad spirits nearby.

Taoists think what family does at the funeral affects how the dead feel after death. This

shows a deep link between the living and the dead. So, the rites are key to that bond. Taoist funeral customs follow two main ideas that shape their views on life after death.

1. Yin and Yang

Yin and Yang are two important forces that help create everything. Yin represents darkness, calmness, and femininity, while Yang represents light, activity, and masculinity. Combined, they show how important balance and harmony are, meaning that opposites can help each other instead of fighting.

When someone we love passes away, the balance of Yin and Yang becomes very important. Losing that person creates a gap because they are no longer with us. Taoist funeral traditions are designed to help bring back that balance, ensuring the person can move peacefully into the afterlife and that those left behind don’t feel any bad effects.

2. Afterlife and Reincarnation

Taoists believe that life is a circle of being born, dying, and being born again. Each part of this cycle helps us grow and change. When someone dies, their soul starts a journey and goes through a special stage before coming back to life in a new form. Taoist funerals are meant to help the soul on this journey so it can have a good new life or become more spiritually wise.

This idea of returning to life makes those still living feel better. Losing someone we love is tough, but thinking of them starting a new journey can bring comfort. These Taoist funerals matter for honoring the one who is gone.

Key Taoist Funeral Rituals

At a Taoist funeral in Singapore, there are different ceremonies, each with a special reason connected to the main ideas.

1. Burning of Joss Paper and Other Items

Joss paper, sometimes called hell money, is burned as a gift to help people who have passed away have money in the afterlife. People believe that the ones who have died can use this money in a special place. In addition to joss paper, people also burn things like paper houses, cars, and even pretend gadgets to make sure the spirits have what they need and feel cozy.

2. Chanting and Prayers

At Taoist funeral services, family and friends gather to say goodbye, pray, and show care for the one who has left. On the last night, a Taoist priest leads a ceremony with chants and old-style music. This helps the soul move to its next life by seeking peace and asking for mercy. The priest also helps the family with a ritual called Summoning of the Soul. In this, they call the person's name to guide their spirit, helping it find its way and rest calmly.

3. Funeral Procession

A special march will transport the deceased to their ultimate resting place, which may be in the ground or through cremation, following the wake. Family members will follow the hearse and coffin for a short time before boarding their vehicles. This shows that they are saying goodbye. Sometimes, loud music or a marching band plays to keep away any bad spirits.

4. Post-Funeral Rituals

After someone passes away, Taoist families usually follow a special mourning tradition lasting 49 days. They believe that the person who has died goes through a waiting time before starting their next life, and this waiting can last up to 49 days. Families do different activities during this time to help the person's soul move on to the next life. This includes praying and burning incense every seventh day during the mourning period.

Attending a Taoist Funeral

Dress in Dark Colours

At Taoist funeral services, it's important to wear respectful clothing. This means you should avoid bright, happy colors like yellow or pink. Instead, people usually wear black. It's also best not to wear fancy jewelry or anything that looks too showy.

Pay Your Respects

When people visit to show respect for someone who has passed away, they usually bow once while holding a joss stick in both hands. This is a way to honor the person. Sometimes, a family member will bow back to show their appreciation.

Observe Rituals with Respect

When rituals happen, it's important to watch carefully and respectfully. Family members might have special jobs to do during the ritual.

Flowers, Banners and Donations

It's nice to send white flowers and banners to show you care. In Singapore, people often give money too. This money helps the family pay for the wake. Giving an odd amount of money is better because that's considered lucky. Remember, giving cash is up to you, but the most important is to be kind and sincere when you show your sympathy to the family.

Respect their Beliefs, Regardless of Yours

Respect what others believe, even if you think another way. Show care for their ways at a funeral, just as you’d want care for yours. By being there, being kind, and showing respect, you help honor the one who is gone. You also comfort their loved ones, showing they are not alone in their pain.

Conclusion

A Taoist funeral in Singapore has many old ways tied to Taoist views. Every step matters to honor the one who passed and guide their spirit. It begins with plans before the day, goes through the rites, and ends with what comes after. Some people know these ways well and can guide families in this hard time.

Also Check: Key Features of a Typical Buddhist Funeral Package

Name: Hock Hin UnderTaker

Address: 38 Sin Ming Dr, Singapore 575712

Phone: +65 98221489