The Ancient Tradition of the Chinese Funeral

Chinese culture holds an ancient tradition of respect and honour for the deceased that finds manifestation through the rite of the funeral. This complex and sacred ceremonial offers a deep look into the mentality and values of Chinese society, celebrating the passage of the soul from earthly existence to the afterlife.

Chinese Funeral: Background

The Chinese funeral is full of symbolism and meaning, and reflects the deep connection of the Chinese with their land and their history. When an individual of Chinese descent dies abroad, in fact, it is brought back to one's own homeland so that one can celebrate the traditional funeral rite, a very complex and elaborate rite. This gesture is a tangible sign of the importance that the culture of this Country attributes to the proper conduct of rituals.

Conduct of the Chinese Funeral

During the Chinese funeral, every detail is carefully chosen according to the origins and characteristics of the deceased, especially in relation to social status. The mourning period spans 49 days, with the first seven days considered Fundamental. During this time, the family of the deceased participates in a series of rituals that include death announcements, preparation of the body, offerings to the spirits and a funeral procession celebrating the life of the deceased.

The preparation of the body is a moment during which the deceased is carefully dressed and prepared for his journey in the afterlife. Family members wear specific clothes according to their bond of kinship with the deceased, and the predominant colors are white, black, blue and brown, while red is avoided as it is associated with the fortune.

If you are curious about the funeral rites of other countries, discover the characteristics del rite Muslim and those of the rite Hebrew.