Humans are very complex, rational beings. Ever since we have come to be in the stone ages, our collective experiences have already progressed that different races have borne different traditions and practices, one of which is religion which we highly revere and where we get our essence as people. It provides us security in times when we do not know. When we depart this world, it is by the religion we go by that the ritual of having our bodies sent away is followed. A funeral is one of the important traditions that are within the scope of leaning on our religions.
Among a multitude of these religions is Taoism, a religion and philosophy deeply rooted in the Chinese that is concerned of following the Tao, or the Way. Though the Way is complex to define, it can be said that it is an unseen stream that harmonizes all things in the living - one of which is concerned that the world is filled with complementary forces: the Yin and Yang. Taoists also have practices they follow during funeral practices. Here are some of them:
Preparing the body
The relatives of the departed clean the body with wet towel dusted with talcum powder. A yellow cloth must cover the face and a blue one for the body before the body is placed in the casket. There must be a sacred ceremony before the funeral where there are several objects representing important beliefs in the Taoist funeral.
Taoist funeral services
Taoist funerals basically celebrate the life of the departed than the death. Incense. Flowers, and photos of the deceased surround the area. The priest would chant scriptures along with others playing instruments. To represent the levels of the underworld, the priest would circle a fire where nine tiles rest. With a sword, the priest swings it and breaks the tiles to free the deceased from the underworld. He then proceeds to pray on a lotus flower-shaped seat to symbolize the Chinese goddess of mercy, Guan Yin. They then burn joss paper or “ghost money” shaped like material things that the deceased may need in the afterlife.
Funeral Feast
A seat is reserved for the spirit of the deceased and 8 dishes are served for good fortune. They eat “sugar water” dessert first and do not eat beef or horse meat.
Warding off evil spirit
To keep themselves safe after the funeral, the guest would burn a yellow paper containing their name, address, birthday, burn it at their doorway, and cross over it as it burns. Everyone must stay vigilant of evil spirits.
Funeral gifts
Guests should not give money with an even amount, and a number that ends in 9. it always had to be an odd number, except ending in 9.
These are just some of the practices of Taoist funerals. There are also several practices in the time of mourning for 49 days. If you are in need of help in organizing a Taoist funeral service, there are companies that cater to those needs in Singapore.
