Funeral customs and traditions vary greatly across different religions and cultures. In Singapore, there are several common types of funerals that are conducted according to the deceased’s religious or personal beliefs. Here is an overview of the different types of funerals and what you can expect from each:
- Buddhist Funeral:
Buddhist funerals are known for their elaborate rituals and practices that are deeply rooted in Buddhist philosophy. The main purpose of a Buddhist funeral is to guide the soul of the deceased towards their next life. Therefore, the funeral service involves chanting by monks to help the soul move on to the next realm.
The wake can last up to a week, and the family of the deceased will usually invite relatives, friends, and members of the Buddhist community to pay their respects. During the wake, offerings such as fruits, flowers, and candles are placed around the casket to show respect and gratitude towards the deceased.
On the day of the funeral, the casket is placed in a hearse and taken to the crematorium or columbarium. Mourners may follow behind the hearse, chanting and burning incense. After the funeral service, the casket is usually cremated, and the ashes are placed in an urn.
- Taoist Funeral:
Taoist funerals also involve many rituals and practices that are deeply rooted in Taoist beliefs. The main objective of a Taoist funeral is to ensure that the soul of the deceased moves on to the next life peacefully.
During the wake, offerings such as fruits, flowers, and joss paper are placed around the casket. Taoist priests will also chant to guide the soul of the deceased towards the next realm.
On the day of the funeral, the casket is taken to the funeral location, accompanied by a procession of mourners. During the funeral service, paper effigies of houses, cars, and other possessions may be burned as offerings to the deceased.
After the funeral service, the casket is either cremated or buried. In some cases, the family may choose to place the urn in a columbarium or a temple.
- Christian Funeral:
Christian funerals are typically conducted in a church or funeral home and follow the Christian traditions and beliefs. The main objective of a Christian funeral is to celebrate the life of the deceased and offer comfort and support to their loved ones.
The funeral service may include hymns, readings from the Bible, and a eulogy delivered by a minister or pastor. Unlike Buddhist and Taoist funerals, Christian funerals usually may or may not involve a wake, and the casket may be buried or cremated.
After the funeral service, the casket is usually taken to a cemetery for burial or to a crematorium for cremation. The ashes may be scattered, kept in an urn or buried in a cemetery.
- Catholic Funeral:
Catholic funerals are similar to Christian funerals but may include additional religious rites specific to Catholicism. The main objective of a Catholic funeral is to offer prayers and support to the soul of the deceased, as well as to provide comfort to their loved ones.
The funeral service may include the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick, which is performed on the dying person to prepare them for the next life. The Vigil for the Deceased, which is a prayer service held the night before the funeral, is also common in Catholic funerals. The funeral mass may also include communion and the Rite of Committal, which is the final commendation and farewell to the deceased.
After the funeral service, the casket is either buried in a cemetery or cremated. The ashes may be scattered, kept in an urn, or buried in a cemetery.
- Soka Funeral:
Soka funerals are specific to the Soka Gakkai International (SGI) organization, which is a Buddhist organization that focuses on humanistic philosophy. The main purpose of a Soka funeral is to express gratitude and respect for the life of the deceased and to offer support and comfort to their loved ones.
The wake typically lasts one to two days and includes chanting by members of the SGI organization. During the funeral service, the casket is placed in a special room decorated with flowers, candles, and incense. The service may also include a eulogy and the burning of incense as offerings to the deceased.
After the funeral service, the casket is taken to the crematorium, and the ashes are placed in an urn. The urn may be kept at home, placed in a columbarium or buried in a cemetery.
- Free Thinker Funeral:
A free thinker funeral is a non-religious funeral that reflects the beliefs and values of the deceased. The main objective of a free thinker funeral is to celebrate the life of the deceased and offer comfort and support to their loved ones.
The funeral service may include music, readings, and a eulogy delivered by a family member or a friend. It may also include elements that reflect the deceased’s interests, such as photographs or personal items.
After the funeral service, the casket is either buried or cremated, and the ashes may be scattered, kept in an urn, or buried in a cemetery.
In conclusion, funeral customs and traditions vary greatly across different religions and cultures, and it’s important to choose a funeral service provider who is experienced in organizing funerals according to different customs and traditions. Last Journey Funeral Services can provide a personalized and compassionate service to help you plan a funeral that honors your loved one’s wishes and beliefs. We offer a no-obligation free consultation to discuss your options and help you make the best decisions for your family.