Buddhism is the most practised religion in Singapore, with approximately 31% of the population identifying as Buddhist. Buddhist funerals focus on the core principles of impermanence, compassion, and karma, with rituals aimed at easing the deceased's soul toward a favourable rebirth and accumulating merit on their behalf.
This comprehensive guide covers what to expect at a Buddhist funeral in Singapore, from the wake rituals and monk chanting to the 49-day mourning period and post-funeral customs.
Duration of a Buddhist Funeral
Buddhist wakes in Singapore typically last 3, 5, or 7 days. Odd numbers are used as they signify the "incomplete cycle of life."
- 3-day wake: The most common choice, balancing tradition with practical considerations
- 5-day wake: Chosen by some families for additional time with the deceased
- 7-day wake: The maximum duration without special NEA permission; chosen for more elaborate observances
The minimum is 1 day, and if the wake needs to exceed 7 days from the date of death, written permission from NEA is required.
Wake Rituals
Altar Setup
The altar is the focal point of a Buddhist wake:
- A portrait of the deceased is displayed prominently
- Buddhist symbols and Buddha imagery surround the portrait
- Incense, candles, fruits, flowers, and water are arranged at the altar
- The body is dressed simply, often in white (symbolising purity)
- The casket typically has a viewing window
Each offering has symbolic meaning:
- Incense: Represents purification of the spirit
- Flowers: Symbolise the impermanence of life
- Candles: Represent the light of wisdom
- Fruits: Offerings of gratitude
- Food: Nourishment for the deceased's spiritual journey
- Water: Purity and cleansing
Visitor Practices
When attending a Buddhist wake:
- A bucket of water with fresh flowers is placed at the entrance for visitors to symbolically "cleanse" themselves after visiting
- Visitors offer incense sticks at the altar while bowing as a sign of respect
- Bai jin (condolence money) is given in white envelopes
- Dress modestly in black or white; avoid red and bright colours
Daily Activities During the Wake
- Family members keep vigil, sometimes overnight
- Visitors pay respects throughout the day
- Light refreshments are provided (often vegetarian meals during the wake)
- Prayer sessions may be held daily
Monk Chanting
Monk chanting is a central element of Buddhist funerals in Singapore.
Schedule
Chanting is typically conducted on:
- The first day of the wake
- The last night before the funeral
- The funeral day itself
Some families arrange daily chanting sessions for longer wakes.
Scriptures Used
- Amitabha Sutra: The most commonly chanted scripture, focused on rebirth in the Pure Land
- Heart Sutra: Teaching on emptiness and impermanence
- Verses on compassion and the cycle of rebirth
Purpose of Chanting
Buddhist chanting serves multiple purposes:
- Guiding the spirit of the deceased toward a favourable rebirth
- Transferring merit to the deceased
- Bringing peace and comfort to grieving family members
- Purifying the environment
Dana (Offerings to Monks)
Families may offer robes or daily necessities to the monks who conduct the chanting. This practice accumulates merit that is then transferred to the departed. Monks are typically arranged through temples or via the funeral director.
Paper Offerings and Joss Paper
Paper offering burning is a common practice at Singaporean Chinese Buddhist funerals, though it is important to note that this is more traditionally a Taoist/Chinese folk practice than strictly Buddhist doctrine.
Types of Paper Offerings
- Joss paper (ghost money/spirit money): Symbolic currency for the afterlife
- Hell Bank Notes: Modernised versions used as "currency" in the afterlife
- Gold and silver paper: Traditional offerings
- Paper houses, cars, and modern items: Phones, credit cards, and other comforts burned to "send" to the deceased
Important Notes
Due to cultural syncretism in Singapore, many Chinese Buddhist families practise paper burning. However, some Buddhist temples (such as Singapore Buddhist Lodge and Fo Guang Shan) discourage paper burning, citing environmental concerns and doctrinal differences.
At void decks, joss paper must be burned in designated incinerators to manage smoke and ash.
Cremation Practices
Cremation is the strongly preferred method in Buddhist tradition, aligning with the Buddhist view on impermanence.
Pre-Cremation
- A final prayer ceremony is held at the crematorium
- Family members offer flowers or sprinkle water over the casket
- A final viewing of the deceased takes place
- Monks may lead a final chanting session
At the Crematorium
- Usually at Mandai Crematorium or private facilities such as Kong Meng San
- The family leads the procession carrying the deceased's photograph
- Chanting continues during the procession
Post-Cremation
- Ashes are collected the next day
- Placed in an urn for columbarium storage, sea scattering, or home keeping
- Some families perform a bone-picking ceremony
For information on ash disposition options and costs, see our guide to columbarium niche prices and our guide to burial vs cremation.
The 49-Day Mourning Period
The 49-day mourning period is one of the most significant aspects of Buddhist funeral observance.
Significance
In Buddhist belief, 49 days is the maximum period a soul wanders in an intermediate state before rebirth. The soul goes through 7 stages of transition, each lasting 7 days. During this time, the soul's next rebirth is determined by the accumulated karma.
Practices During the 49 Days
- Weekly prayer sessions (every 7th day): Families invite monks to chant
- Merit transfer: Good deeds, prayers, and offerings are dedicated to the deceased
- Acts of kindness: Charitable donations and good deeds performed on behalf of the deceased
- Vegetarian diet: Some family members adopt vegetarianism during this period
- Avoidance of celebrations: No weddings, parties, or festive activities
Key Ceremonies
- 7th day (Tou Qi): The first major ceremony, with prayers for the soul's peaceful transition
- 49th day: The most significant ceremony, marking the end of the mourning period and the time of rebirth
- 100th day: An additional memorial ceremony observed by some families
Family Responsibilities and Mourning Customs
Attire
- Family members wear plain white T-shirts and black pants
- Coloured cloth badges on the arm indicate the relationship to the deceased (different colours for different generations/relationships)
- Guests should wear black or white; avoid bright colours
Mourning Behaviour
- Family members lead processions carrying the deceased's photograph
- Participate in all chanting sessions
- Maintain a sombre demeanour
- Traditionally, mirrors at the wake are covered with cloth
- Some families observe dietary restrictions (vegetarian meals)
Taboos
- Do not wear red to a Buddhist funeral (unless the deceased was very elderly, 80+ years, where red may symbolise a "blessed" long life)
- Avoid saying auspicious greetings
- Do not take photos of the deceased without the family's permission
- Some families hold the belief that pregnant women should not attend funerals
Post-Funeral Customs
After the 49-day mourning period, Buddhist families continue to honour their deceased through annual observances:
- Columbarium placement: Ashes are placed in a niche at a government or private columbarium, or scattered at sea
- Qing Ming Festival (April): Families visit the grave or columbarium to clean, pray, and make offerings
- Ullambana/Zhong Yuan Festival (7th lunar month): Offerings and prayers for deceased ancestors
- Annual memorial: Some families hold anniversary prayers
Attending a Buddhist Funeral: Etiquette Guide
If you are attending a Buddhist funeral and are unfamiliar with the customs, here is what to keep in mind:
- Wear black or white clothing; dress modestly
- Avoid red and bright colours
- Upon arrival, offer incense at the altar (follow the lead of others if unsure)
- Give bai jin (condolence money) in a white envelope to the designated family member
- You may participate in chanting sessions by sitting quietly; you do not need to chant
- Use the flower water at the entrance to symbolically cleanse yourself when leaving
- Offer brief, sincere condolences to the family
Frequently Asked Questions
How many days should a Buddhist funeral last?
Typically 3, 5, or 7 days, with 3 days being the most common choice. The duration is always an odd number, signifying the "incomplete cycle of life."
Do I need to hire monks for chanting?
It is not mandatory, but monk chanting is a very common and important part of Buddhist funerals in Singapore. Monks can be arranged through temples or via your funeral director.
Is cremation required in Buddhism?
Cremation is not strictly required but is strongly preferred in Buddhist tradition, as it aligns with the teaching on impermanence. In Singapore, cremation is the most practical choice. Government cremation at Mandai costs $100.
What is the significance of the 49-day mourning period?
The 49 days represent the maximum period the soul wanders in an intermediate state before rebirth. The soul undergoes 7 transitions, each lasting 7 days. Family prayers and merit-making during this period are believed to support a favourable rebirth.
Can non-Buddhists attend a Buddhist funeral?
Yes. All wakes in Singapore welcome visitors regardless of their faith. Simply dress modestly in black or white, offer incense at the altar, and pay your respects to the family.
Should I burn paper offerings at a Buddhist funeral?
Paper burning is a cultural practice rather than a Buddhist doctrinal requirement. It is common in Singapore due to the overlap between Buddhist and Chinese folk traditions. Some Buddhist temples discourage it on environmental and doctrinal grounds. Follow the family's lead on this.
What should I bring to a Buddhist funeral?
Bring a white envelope with condolence money (bai jin). Flowers may also be appropriate. Avoid bringing food unless specifically requested by the family.
What does vegetarianism during the mourning period signify?
Adopting a vegetarian diet during the 49-day mourning period is an act of compassion and merit-making. By abstaining from taking life (through meat consumption), the family generates merit that is transferred to the deceased to support their rebirth.