FAQs
At a traditional Buddhist funeral ceremony, the family will usually wear white or use white cloth to cover themselves. Buddhist funeral dress code often prescribes that women refrain from wearing jewellery, and that all mourners stay away from wearing red. This is because red is the Buddhist colour for joy.
What color to wear to a Buddhist funeral? ›
What to wear to a Buddhist funeral. At a traditional Buddhist funeral, the family wears white or cover themselves using a white cloth. Mourners should wear simple, black or dark clothing. Wearing expensive or flashy clothing/jewellery is seen as a display of wealth and not in keeping with Buddhist funeral etiquette.
What rituals do Buddhists do when someone dies? ›
Buddhists believe that rebirth happens straight after a person has died. Theravada Buddhist funerals involve a shrine with the dead person's picture and an image of the Buddha surrounded by candles, flowers and incense. A monk leads the funeral service, which involves giving a talk and carrying out important rites.
What not to do after a Buddhist funeral? ›
Dos and Don'ts 100 Days After Buddhist Funeral
- Avoid attending auspicious events like weddings, baby showers for the first 100 days after death.
- If possible, avoid going on holidays as well. ...
- In the past, mourning attire (white shirts and black/blue pants) would be worn for 100 days.
Typically, activities or rituals happen on the 3rd, 7th, 49th, and 100th day following the person's death. The third or seventh day is when families will hold the funeral but the total mourning period lasts 49 days. In Buddhism, the belief is that rebirth happens 49 days after a person passes away.
What is the 49th day after death? ›
The last 7th day after the death date which is also the 49th day is the day when the deceased's spirit is believed to leave this world. During such milestones post-funeral, you can engage us to arrange for a reverend monk to pray and conduct some Buddhist rituals for the decedent.
What color flowers are not acceptable in Buddhist funerals? ›
Buddhist Funeral
White flowers are the traditional Buddhist flower of mourning and may be sent to the family. Sending red flowers or gifts of food are considered poor funeral etiquette.
What is the appropriate gift for a Buddhist funeral? ›
In terms of Buddhist funeral customs, it's appropriate to offer gifts to the family of the departed. You can send white flowers to the family or bring them to the wake or funeral, placing them near the altar. Similar to the white garments the family wears the day of the funeral, white flowers symbolize mourning.
What to say to a Buddhist when someone dies? ›
Short Versions:
- “Sending metta (loving-kindness) to ease your pain.”
- “May peace and serenity surround you during this time.”
- “In your time of sorrow, may the dharma guide you.”
- “With deepest sympathy and compassion.”
- “May the path to enlightenment bring you solace.”
- “Sending thoughts of loving-kindness and peace.”
In the olden days, family members would all gather together in the house of the deceased on the seventh day following the death date. This is when the dearly departed is thought to return back home.
Buddhism teaches that there is a cycle of death and rebirth called samsara. Through karma and eventual enlightenment, Buddhists hope to escape samsara and achieve nirvana, an end to suffering.
What is the structure of a Buddhist funeral? ›
During the ceremony at the cemetery, monks sit facing the casket and lead the mourners in song-like prayers. The casket is then placed on a brick structure and friends and family throw lit candles, incense and wood beneath the casket to start it burning.
Why are funerals 3 days after death? ›
Historically, funerals had to take place after just a matter of days, because of decomposition. With today's preservation methods, families have a bit more time to prepare and get affairs in order. This helps families make arrangements, and to pick a day to hold the funeral.
Why can't you say bye at a funeral? ›
While you could be used to saying “goodbye” to people upon your departure, avoid doing so at the funeral service as this is believed to be an invitation for the spirit of the deceased to visit you at home.
How long do Buddhists grieve? ›
Buddhist services, from the 7th day to the 49th day
Many Buddhists hold a series of services instead of a single funeral—every seven days, for seven weeks, culminating with a service on the 49th day after a loved one's death.
Is it appropriate to send flowers to a Buddhist funeral? ›
Buddhist Funeral
White flowers are the traditional Buddhist flower of mourning and may be sent to the family. Sending red flowers or gifts of food are considered poor funeral etiquette. A donation to the family or a designated charity in the name of the deceased are appropriate.
Does Buddhism require cremation? ›
Although cremation is the most common choice among Buddhists, burial is also permissible. Individual traditions or sects do have specific funeral practices that practitioners usually follow but unlike Christianity, none of these would have any impact on the soul or eternal destiny of the practitioner.
