Route Lamps in Buddhist and Taoist Funerals

Route lamps are commonly seen tied to the gantry exits of housing development board (HDB) flats in Singapore. Route lamps which can be seen above are used only for Buddhist and Taoist funerals in Singapore. You will never see these in a Christian and Catholic funeral.

Route lamps have two main purposes:
1) it helps to lead the decedent's soul back home and,
2) it signifies to people nearby that there is a funeral wake being held

After the cortege departs on the final day of the funeral wake, the route lamp will be removed to signify the end of the funeral wake.

For more details on the Buddhist Funeral Wake services, please click here.