Singapore Chinese Funeral and Rituals: Significance of Floral Tributes

Ever since the inception of Little Red Dot Florist in Singapore, we have made our mark as a prime source for floral arrangements, particularly for significant occasions, cultural events and rites such as the Chinese funerals. We understand the importance of the perfect floral tribute as it’s integral part of the Chinese funeral and death rituals. With impressive credentials spanning over a decade, you can rely on our expertise to select flowers that will pay the perfect tribute to represent the depth of one’s feelings during these poignant affairs.

Understanding the Funeral and Custom

Chinese death rituals in Singapore, much to the common perception, aren’t just traditional ceremonies but are deep-rooted engagements with a strong emphasis on respect for the departed. The rituals are a blend of Confucian, Taoist and Buddhist customs – each with its unique significance. Encompassing various phases, right from the initial announcement of demise to the burial rites, flowers play a vital role in all these ceremonies due to their symbolism.

The Significance of Flowers in Chinese Funeral Rituals

Floral tributes at Chinese funeral rituals are more than mere decorative elements. They are meant to symbolise respect, love and even the transition of the departed soul to its new home. Species like lilies, orchids, and chrysanthemums are traditional favourites. Chrysanthemums, in particular, are identified as a sign of death and are strictly used only in funerals or on ancestral offerings. Be sure to avoid red-coloured flowers as they are linked to happiness, which is considered inappropriate for funerals.

Funeral Wreaths

In Singapore’s Chinese funeral rituals, funeral wreaths called “(花圈)” or “hua quan” are an essential part. They consist of a circular arrangement of flowers, rooted in the belief that life and death are a continuous cycle. The flowers used in the wreath are often white or pale yellow, signifying mourning and purity. At Little Red Dot Florist, we take pride in crafting the perfect funeral wreaths, especially focusing on the size, colour, and type of flower as per local customs.

Funeral Sprays

Another critical floral tribute is the funeral spray or “(挽联)” or “wan lian”. Used in conjunction with wreaths, they often contain messages of remembrance, grief, or respect for the departed soul. Lilies, chrysanthemums, and orchids are commonly used, given their association with funerals. Our team at Little Red Dot Florist are well-versed in creating funeral sprays that do justice to the emotions of the senders.

 

Preparations for the Wake

The death of a family member prompts immediate preparations at the deceased’s home, including the removal of furniture and covering of mirrors and deity idols with red cloth to avoid offending them. A banner outside the home signals the death, initiating a period of mourning and respect.

Mourning Garments

Mourning attire varies by relationship to the deceased and dialect group, with white or black now predominating. Bright colors are avoided, and mourning pins, or xiao, signify filial piety and the mourner’s relationship to the deceased, worn for 49 or 100 days.

Preparation of the Body

The body undergoes a ritual washing and dressing, traditionally in shouyi, a symbol of the deceased’s life and legacy. Modern practices may substitute shouyi with the deceased’s favorite clothes, and items like pearls or coins are placed with the body to aid its journey in the afterlife.

Coffining the Body

The rulian ritual involves placing a mirror, grain, joss paper, and personal items in the coffin to assist the deceased in the afterworld. Red paper wards off evil spirits, and food offerings honor the departed spirit.

The Wake

Wakes, lasting three to seven days, are held in funeral parlours or at the deceased’s home. They are a time for vigil and respect, with rituals to ensure the deceased’s peaceful transition. Gambling is a common activity to stay awake through the night.

Burial or Cremation

The funeral procession, often accompanied by music to deter malicious spirits, leads to the burial or cremation site. In Singapore, cremation is more common due to space constraints. The remains are respectfully handled and placed in a columbarium or ancestral altar.

 

Concluding Thoughts

A Chinese funeral in Singapore is not just an occasion of bidding farewell to a loved one—it’s a sensitive ceremony of respect, bound by age-old customs. The choice of flowers, their arrangement, and symbolism play a significant role in indicating reverence to the departed soul.

Little Red Dot Florist, with its expertise, proven trustworthiness, and a rich understanding of local culture, is your ideal partner during such sensitive times. We aim to ease your burden by providing tailor-made flower arrangements that respect both your sentiments and local customs.

For more insights about different types of flowers and their significance in various occasions, refer to our comprehensive Floristry Guide. And for any queries related to your floral tribute needs, feel free to consult our team of experts.

We at Little Red Dot Florist, honour your sentiments, and promise to deliver quality every single time, as we believe “In every flora, there’s a feeling”.

 

Sources:

https://www.nlb.gov.sg/main/article-detail?cmsuuid=a3bfaffd-f823-4cf1-80a0-888db820bf1d

Singapore Federation of Chinese Clan Associations, Chinese Customs and Festivals in Singapore, 123; “Singapore Funerals Taoism Condolence Practices,” Singapore Funeral Services Provider, 27 June 2014, 7. Chang Jue, Our Customs & Traditions: The Origins (Singapore: People’s Publishing, 2012), 122–25.

Tong, Chinese Death Rituals in Singapore,

Tong, Chinese Death Rituals in Singapore, 35, 73; Lee Siew Hoon, “Satisfying the Dead and the Living,” Straits Times, 10 April 1988, 17. (From NewspaperSG)