What is the Chinese tradition when someone dies?

Since ancient times, the Chinese have believed in a spiritual afterlife to which the soul journeys after death. Like many religions and cultures, the Chinese believed that the dead will need physical objects in the afterlife and so bury them with prized possessions, such as gold, jewellery and pottery.

How do the Chinese mourn the dead?

After death, relatives and friends pour water over one hand of the deceased in a bathing ceremony. They then place the body in a casket and surround it with flowers, candles and sticks of incense. If possible, a photograph of the person is placed alongside and colored lights are hung around the casket.

Can you attend a funeral during Chinese New Year?

Staying away from customary celebrations of the Chinese New Year within a year of experiencing a death in the family is usually observed too. The family in mourning should not visit other friends’ houses, but there is no restriction on them receiving visitors.

How do you express condolences in Chinese culture?

Typical condolences messages like ‘I’m sorry for your loss’, and ‘My thoughts are with you during this time’ are quite safe. In Chinese, you can say something like ‘jie ai shun bian’. Apart from the actual condolence wishes, you might find yourself having the opportunity to chat with the deceased family members.

How do cultures view death?

In some cultures, people believe that the spirit of someone who has died directly influences the living family members. The family members are comforted by the belief that their loved one is watching over them. In general, beliefs about the meaning of death help people make sense of it and cope with its mystery.

How do Chinese perform mourning rites?

The traditions of a Chinese wake include: If the person has died at home, his or her coffin is placed on a stand within the home. If he or she died away from home, the coffin is placed on a stand within the home’s courtyard. Wreaths, photos, and gifts are placed near the head of the deceased as it lays in wake.

What is the meaning of 49 days after death?

Meaning. Buddhists believe that a person will continue the cycle of birth, life, death, and rebirth until they reach nirvana, or enlightenment. Many Buddhists believe 49 days is the longest length of time the intermediate state can last. This is the key reason they perform religious ceremonies every day for 49 days.

What are Chinese family traditions?

Confucianism put special emphasis on filial piety, which was believed to preserve harmony and keep families together. And entwined in the concept of filial piety is worship of ancestors, which is a central tradition for the Chinese family. Both tradition and laws upheld this patriarchal structure.

What is the significance of death in Chinese culture?

According to Chinese folk religions, death is a disruption to the cosmological balance. The performance of death rituals is therefore aimed at re-establishing order and harmony. In addition, the Chinese believe that the dead continue to influence the fortunes of the living.

What is the purpose of funeral rituals in China?

The performance of death rituals is therefore aimed at re-establishing order and harmony. In addition, the Chinese believe that the dead continue to influence the fortunes of the living. As such, funeral rituals not only exemplify respect and filial piety, but are also done for the sake of recompense.4

What do Chinese do when a family member dies?

Chinese families visit the grave together every year. They clean the grave and make sure it is well kept. Incense, food, fruit, and other gifts are placed on the grave. Family members will talk to the deceased as if they are present by sharing stories and making jokes.

Is it bad luck to attend a Chinese funeral when pregnant?

Pregnant or engaged couples do not attend the funeral. Chinese superstition says this will invite bad luck to these individuals.