Funeral services are often guided by cultural beliefs and superstitions passed down through generations. Singapore, for one, boasts a diverse range of death-related practices due to the region being home to Chinese, Malay, Indian, and other communities. These beliefs can influence how funeral services are conducted and are thought to be critical for honouring the departed and shielding the living from misfortune. Families of the departed and providers of funeral services in Singapore must then be aware of these superstitions to meet the expectations of diverse communities.
6 Funeral Service Superstitions in Singapore
1. Avoiding the Number Four
The number four is avoided as much as possible in many Chinese funerals. The pronunciation of “four” in Mandarin sounds similar to the word for “death,” which is considered unlucky. This belief affects several aspects of a funeral service, from the funeral date to the arrangement of items. For example, families may avoid holding a wake or burial on the fourth day after death. Casket numbers, floor levels, and seating arrangements are also considered carefully to avoid the number four. Funeral service providers often ensure that documents, tags, or labels do not include this number, especially when dealing with superstitious families.
2. No Sweeping During a Wake
It is common practice among Chinese families not to sweep the floor during a funeral wake. This superstition is based on the belief that sweeping may symbolically “sweep away” the luck or spirit of the deceased. As a result, families avoid sweeping the area where the wake is held until the body has been removed. Some even refrain from taking out rubbish during the wake. Funeral services must accommodate this belief by maintaining a clean setup before the start of the wake and offering alternative arrangements for keeping the area presentable without violating the superstition.
3. Clothing and Colours
Another common superstition in funeral services is related to the clothing and colours worn by mourners. Mourners of Chinese families wear white or black, while bright colours, especially red, are strictly avoided. Red is associated with celebrations and is considered inappropriate and disrespectful for a funeral. In some communities, close family members may wear coarse clothing made from sackcloth to symbolise grief. A funeral company often provides guidance on appropriate attire and may supply mourning clothes if needed. Some services also include the distribution of white or black armbands for extended family and friends as part of the funeral package.
4. Turning Away During the Casket Closing
During a Chinese funeral, there is often a moment when the casket is closed before the final burial or cremation. It is a common belief that family members should turn their backs during this moment. Watching the casket being closed is said to bring bad luck or misfortune. Funeral services ensure that this process is carried out respectfully, often with the funeral director guiding the family on when to turn away and when it is safe to turn back. This small but significant gesture is taken seriously by many, and experienced funeral directors handle it with sensitivity.
5. Avoiding Attending Multiple Funerals
There is a common superstition that attending multiple funerals in a short span of time may invite bad luck or negative energy. This belief can affect attendance, especially among older generations. It is not uncommon for someone to avoid attending a second funeral if they have just participated in one recently. Some people also practise rituals such as washing with flower water or burning incense sticks after attending a funeral to cleanse themselves of any lingering negative energy. Funeral service providers often respect these choices and may offer cleansing items as part of their after-service packages.
6. No Visiting Homes After a Funeral
Many believe that visiting someone’s home immediately after attending a funeral is inappropriate. This is due to the belief that spirits may follow the person home, bringing misfortune to the host. As a result, mourners often go straight home after a funeral or perform cleansing rituals before entering another residence. Funeral services sometimes provide these cleansing options or inform families about such practices in advance.
Conclusion
Understanding and respecting these superstitions is essential for any mourners and providers of funeral services in Singapore. Aside from making sure the family’s requirements are respected, it also acknowledges the cultural values that continue to influence local funeral customs.
Contact Casket FairPrice to learn how we can support your family during this important time.
