Buddhist Funerals
Posted 01 Jun 2023
in Cultural Ceremonies
A Buddhist funeral is a ceremony that adheres to Buddhist beliefs and practices, aiming to guide the departed soul towards a favourable rebirth and provide solace for the grieving.
A Buddhist funeral can include
- Wearing White
- Attendees usually wear white, however, this is dependent on their nationality. Buddhists consider excessive shows of wealth unnecessary, and it is more respectful to attend a Buddhist funeral in more humble attire.
- Chanting and Prayers
- Monks or family members begin the service by performing Buddhist chants and prayers to guide the deceased’s soul and create a peaceful atmosphere.
- Offerings
- A small offering is shared by mourners at the beginning of the service, usually consisting of food, flowers, candles, and incense as a gesture of respect.
- Open Casket
- It is common at a Buddhist funeral for a casket to be open, where offerings will be placed (outside the casket) around the person.
- Cremation or Burial
- Generally, a Buddhist funeral will conclude with a cremation, however, depending on local customs, the body may be cremated or buried, accompanied by further rituals and prayers.
- Rebirth and Karma
- The funeral emphasizes the concept of rebirth with rituals on various days following the death. At the 100th day the family celebrates the successful passing of the deceased into their knew life.
The information provided is a brief summary only and may not include all aspects of traditional funeral rites.
