There are so many things happening in this world, but life and death are two things everyone has in common, and unlike life, death is inevitable to know when will it happen, because no one knows, and no one can predict the date and time the most.
Condolences for your loss. But if you are planning to visit a Buddhist funeral services of someone you know or close with, here are the etiquettes that you should know and be familiar with.
1. Don’t Wear Bright and Lively Colours
Black, white, and dark blue are the most appropriate colour to wear, not unless the family of the deceased requested a particular colour for you to wear, but if plan to wear bright and lively colours, then you are in trouble, because these festive shades attract attention, and people might misinterpret your intentions and relationship to the deceased.
2. Pay Respect to the Deceased
Traditionally, paying respect to the deceased is when one offers joss stick or bow their heads three times, but since Singapore is a multicultural country, you must ask what other ways they preferred.
3. Give Comfort to the Deceased Family
Whether or not you know the deceased family, you must give them some comfort by asking their well-being, but if you can’t talk to them personally, you can always send funeral flowers to the family to directly to the location of the Buddhist funeral services.
4. Know the Visitation Hours
According to Buddhist tradition, it is acceptable for a family to hold a viewing, but there are specific visitation hours when you can view the deceased. So, don’t be shy and ask the Funeral Services Director, because that may be part of the Buddhist funeral package.
5. Send Bereavement Money (Pek Kim)
Not long ago, visitors are placing the bereavement money inside a white envelope, but with the rapid growth and changes in Singapore, people are now handing over their Pek Kim via PayNow or Bank Transfer. Also, the bereavement money should be in an odd number, because as tradition says it’s associated with unfortunate events.
6. Leave Quietly
There is no further explanation as to why is not advisable to say your goodbye after attending the Buddhist funeral services, but some elders says it's unfortunate for you if you say goodbye. So, leave quietly and don’t ask for permission when leaving.
7. Look for Online Obituary
Don’t worry if you are faraway from Singapore and you can’t attend the Buddhist funeral services, because Buddhist funeral package in Singapore offers online obituary where you could see some publish information about what happened during the wake.
8. Mourning Period
Buddhist funeral services doesn’t end after burying the casket, because on the first year death anniversary and the third year death anniversary, the family of the deceased gather together to pay their tribute that officially marks their mourning period.
Familiarise yourself with these eight etiquettes of Buddhist funeral services in Singapore, but if you want to know more about Buddhist funeral package, then contact a funeral provider like Hock HIn in Singapore as they can help you out.
