Taoist Funeral Packages

A Taoist funeral is usually held in a funeral parlour, a void deck, or a communal area in the neighbourhood. The cost of a Taoist funeral package in Singapore can vary based on the venue of the funeral.

The length of a funeral service will be determined by the preference of the deceased or the family. It will also depend on the scale of the Taoist funeral wake, with ceremonies spanning between 3 to 7 days. It is typically held over an odd number of days, and the customs observed during the service vary according to the family dialect.

Priests will begin the funeral service by chanting Taoist scriptures, accompanied by musical instruments such as drums and symbols. Various chanting rituals will be performed throughout the service to separate the deceased from the living and to seek forgiveness from deities, among other things.

Taoist funerals contain an altar with a portrait of the deceased, joss sticks, and candles for guests to offer their prayers and pay their respects. The favourite meals of the deceased will be displayed as an offering. Mourners are encouraged to weep as loudly as possible and burn joss papers shaped after various luxurious items that the departed would require in the afterlife. Once everyone has paid their respects, the coffin will be nailed shut, and it is forbidden to watch this taking place. Then white and yellow papers are attached to the coffin, and it is placed outside. When the time comes for the burial, the bereaved relatives and friends should turn away as the body of the deceased is lowered to the earth. 

Out of concern for potential negative repercussions, Taoism restricts the performance of certain behaviours or gestures during or after a funeral service. One such taboo is adorning the deceased in red, which Taoists believe will cause the person to reappear as a ghost. Mirrors are also not allowed in the vicinity of the coffin, as Taoists feel that if one sees the coffin through the reflection of a mirror, death may befall their family.

A plain white envelope with money inside is one of the most traditional and widely accepted consolation gifts at a Taoist funeral. While it is possible to offer this to the grieving family during the funeral, nowadays, there is a sympathy box at the welcome table where guests can deposit cash directly. This money is often used to cover funeral expenses. Flower wreaths adorned with lilies, daisies, roses, and chrysanthemums are another consolation gift that guests can offer the grieving family.

The attire worn by the family of the deceased indicates their place in the family. The children of the deceased will dress in white tops and black pants, while the grandchildren will wear white tops with blue trousers. In some dialects, the paternal grandchildren wear black rather than blue trousers. Guests attending a Taoist funeral service in Singapore should dress respectfully in neutral colours such as black, blue, and white.

Following the burial or cremation, the family will hold a funeral feast to express their gratitude to all who came to pay respects to their loved one. One seat will be designated for the deceased during the feast.

At Taoist funerals, verbally expressing your grief is not only permitted but also encouraged, as Taoists believe the crying of mourners is a gesture of love and affection to the departed. Following the funeral, the family of the deceased will enter a 49-day mourning period, during which prayers will be recited every seven days.