What is the Chinese custom when someone dies?

It’s common for Chinese families to honor their loved ones with three days of visitation before the funeral. The loved one will be dressed in his or her best clothing or a traditional white burial robe. If facilities allow, the family may choose to stay with their loved one overnight, even preparing meals on-site.

Is it customary to give money at a Chinese funeral?

Those attending a Chinese funeral are expected to give money to the grieving family directly, or by placing the money — or a white envelope containing the money — into a donation box. A donation box is often present in the home where the wake is being held.

What do you send to a Chinese family when someone dies?

Most of the time, guests are not expected to bring gifts to a Chinese funeral. However, it is customary to offer some cash to the family of the deceased as a condolence donation. Funeral-appropriate flowers are chrysanthemums and lilies in white or yellow. Businesses and organisations most commonly send flower wreaths.

Why do Chinese give money at funerals?

The money is meant to help the family pay for the funeral. If the deceased person was employed, his or her company is often expected to send a large flower wreath and a sizable monetary contribution.

What color do you wear to a Chinese funeral?

Traditionally, Asian families wear white at the funeral and opt not to wear any jewelry. Red is considered the color of happiness, so the family does not wear any red clothing or accessories.

What can you not do after a Chinese funeral?

Within 100 days of their passing: Avoid wearing bright coloured clothing and refrain from attending weddings, celebratory events or funeral wakes of friends or acquaintances.

What happens during a Chinese funeral?

However, in general, the funeral ceremony itself is carried out over seven days, and mourners wear funerary dress according to their relationship to the deceased. While traditionally inhumation was favoured, in the present day the dead are often cremated rather than buried, particularly in large cities in China.

Why can’t you wear red to a Chinese funeral?

At Chinese funerals, white or yellow mums are appreciated, as white chrysanthemums symbolize lamentation or grief. Traditionally, Asian families wear white at the funeral and opt not to wear any jewelry. Red is considered the color of happiness, so the family does not wear any red clothing or accessories.

What is the red string for in funeral?

The red thread is a respectful gesture from the bereaved family member to ward off the possible ‘bad luck’ that may be brought upon with the attendance of the funeral wake. Before you leave the wake, tie the red thread loosely around one of your fingers and let it slip off your finger before you reach home.