Singapore is known as one of the major melting pots in Asia. Because of the presence of different cultures, there are different customs and traditions being followed by the residents of the tiny but powerful nation. This includes the various funeral rituals that are observed in the country.
Since majority of the population is Chinese, there is a huge demand for Taoist funeral services in Singapore. It is one of the most colourful funeral traditions in Southeast Asia.
The Taoist funeral service normally includes rites that are meant to please the malevolent spirits so the soul of the person who just passed away will be protected. They also use unique coffins that have three humps and are covered with papers after the dead person was transferred inside. They also designate the eldest son of the dead to close the coffin, while other people were prohibited to watch the process.
Funeral houses also make sure that the room where a Taoist funeral is being held has no mirrors because they believe that it can bring death to the person who sees it.
Aside from the Chinese tradition, there are also a lot of people seeking a Christian funeral service in Singapore especially since there are a lot of Christian migrants in the country. Because of this, a good funeral service provider normally conducts incense-burning ritual as to symbolize prayers that are sent to heaven.
There are also several funeral directors that provide a rosary group to help the bereaved family to pray for the repose of the soul of their dearly departed.
Since there are also a lot of Buddhists in the country, a lot of Indians would request to have Buddhist funeral services in Singapore.
Some of the customs that are being followed by the Buddhists involves the mourners who pay their respects to their dearly departed during a wake. Funeral directors also set up a huge portrait of the diseased in front of the casket.
The funeral directors also put an elaborate altar that is filled with candles and several other offerings that include fruits and flowers. Just like the Christian funeral rites, Buddhists also burn incense to honour the dead. They also display flowers modestly if the wake is done in a funeral hall.
Because of the country’s diverse culture, the funeral service providers in Singapore always make sure that they are well equipped to handle all kinds of services that will pay respect to all the customs and traditions of each ethnicity.
Some funeral directors, which could be operating for over a century already, are known for meticulously planning a funeral service that could fit the bereaved family’s specifications according to their religion.
The best funeral parlours in Singapore must have a good track record of conducting the most appropriate services for the dearly departed based on the family’s need. They should also be aware about all the requests of the bereaved.
Saying goodbye to a loved one is already a very difficult task, which is why it is very helpful if Singaporeans would have a reliable funeral service provider to help them pay their last respects to the dead in the most appropriate way possible.