Taoist Funeral Traditions
If you reside in Singapore, most of these images would not be new to you. However, not many know the significance of why we do what we do at a Taoist Funeral. In this post, we find out more.
1. Longevity Atire (寿衣)
Longevitty attire is usually worn by decendent who fulfil three criterias. The decedent has to be over the age of sixty years old, have no unmarried children and have grandchildren. Longevity attire comes in various designs and colors. If you're looking for one, call us and we will see you the range of designs we offer.
Specific attributes of the longevity attire with their accopanying meaning:
(a) The longevity attire has to be loose with big openings for the hands and legs. The belief is that if the attire is too tight, it will have negative repercussions for the wealth of future descendants.
(b) The deceased's arms have to be fully covered by the longevity suit as not doing this is said to lead to the descendants being beggars.
(c) There should be no pockets to prevent the decedent from taking away good luck from those alive.
(d) Longevity attire usually comes in odd numbers, just like many other inauspicious events.
2) Big Headed Dolls (大头娃娃）
Performances termed as "gong guan" can be played out by associations on the final day of the funeral wake. This performance involves the banging of cymbals and drums. You can also hire people to play out the two big-headed dolls. In the past, these dolls are happy-faced (笑童). Times have evolved and we have crying-faced dolls (哭童) that are gaining popularity as well. This loud performance is meant to provide the decedent with a grand farewell.
3) Taoist Funeral Blanket (天地被)
This blanket is said to provide warmth and comfort to the decedent in the few days that he or she has to stay in his or her temporary dwelling place which is the coffin.
4) Burning Of Paper Products
Paper products like paper houses, paper maids and paper money will usually be burnt on the final night of the funeral for a Buddhist or Taoist Funeral. It is believed that what you need in this life, you will need the same in the afterlife. Paper products are usually hand made and thus every product is unique and different. This would also mean a longer lead time during peak periods like the seventh lunar month.
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A humble service done in remembrance of Mr Tee Hock Chwee, founder of Hock Hin Undertaker established since 1963
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