1. How long does a Taoist Funeral usually last in Singapore?

Typically, a Taoist wake lasts 1 to 7 days, depending on the family's preference. Some families opt for a shorter one-day ceremony, while others hold multi-day wakes to allow for more prayer sessions and visits from relatives and friends. Majority of the Singapore population usually have funeral wakes for an average of 3 to 5 days. Odd number and not even number of wake days are usually conducted for Chinese funerals. Our experienced funeral directors will assist in booking of the wake venue, be it at a void deck or at a funeral parlour so as to ensure that you have the needed time and space to grief while you leave all the execution of the funeral to us.

2. What is a Taoist funeral?

A Taoist funeral is a traditional ceremony based on the teachings of Taoism, focusing on restoring harmony between Heaven, Earth, and the spirit world. It includes specific prayers, chanting, rituals, and offerings to guide the deceased’s soul safely into the afterlife. At Harmony Funeral Care, we ensure every detail is aligned with the deceased's dialect group’s customs — whether Hokkien, Teochew, Cantonese, Hakka, or Hainanese.

3. What are the main rituals in a Taoist funeral?

Common rituals include:
(1) Chanting and prayers led by Taoist priests to guide the soul in the afterlife.
(2) Burning of joss paper and offerings to provide for the deceased in the afterlife.
(3) Ritual cleansing and dressing of the deceased.

We’ll walk you through each ritual so you understand its purpose and significance.

4. How do Taoist funerals differ between dialects?

Each dialect group has unique customs:
- Hokkien – Emphasis on loud gongs, traditional paper effigies, and elaborate send-offs.
- Teochew – Prayers often led by senior family members, with a focus on filial piety.
- Cantonese – Includes “crossing the bridge” ritual symbolising peace in the afterlife.
- Hainanese & Hakka – Simpler, solemn ceremonies focusing on sincerity and purity.

Our funeral directors are experienced in all dialect-specific rites to ensure authenticity and respect.

5. What should I wear to a Taoist funeral?

Guests should dress modestly and respectfully. White, beige, or somber colours (like grey or light blue) are appropriate. Avoid bright colours like red, and avoid flashy jewellery. Lower attire should also be of a length that surpass the knee.

6. Do Taoist funerals always have big-headed dolls, gong guan and live band?

Traditionally, these elements are part of a Taoist Funeral in Singapore but this practice has changed over the years and it is much less common these days. Note that they come at a fee as well.

7. What happens after the funeral?

Many Taoist families observe post-funeral rites such as the 7th day memorial, 49th day prayers, and 100th day ceremonies. These rituals help the deceased’s soul transition peacefully. Our team of dedicated funeral directors will send you reminders on these special memorial dates so as to ensure that these are not forgotten. We will also have a guidebook as to what to expect and what to do on these occasions.

Why Do Some Companies Charge So Much More for Similar Funeral Services?

You may have noticed that funeral service prices in Singapore can vary significantly — even when the services offered appear to be largely the same. At Harmony Funeral Care, we believe in being transparent about why our pricing structure offers true value for money without compromising on quality.

Here’s why:

Unlike many providers, we do not act as a middleman. We don’t outsource or subcontract essential services such as embalming, body care, or setup logistics. Everything is managed in-house — from the moment your loved one comes into our care, until the final farewell.

We are proud to operate our own fully equipped embalming care centre, staffed by both trained male and female embalmers. This allows us to maintain the highest standards of dignity, respect, and professionalism, while keeping costs under control.

By keeping operations internal and direct, we eliminate unnecessary third-party markups. This enables us to pass the savings on to you — the families we serve — without compromising the care and respect your loved one deserves.

That said, we are also not the cheapest provider, and for good reason. We refuse to cut corners or lower our service standards just to offer rock-bottom prices. Our focus is on providing exceptional value, with a balance of affordability and uncompromised quality.

With us, what you see is what you get — transparent pricing, professional care, and heartfelt service.