Taiwanese funeral traditions. Below are some observations regarding his funeral. Yes, you can attend a funeral during Chinese New Year, though cultural beliefs may influence participation. Customs may vary by geography and a family's religion, as well as the age, social status and cause of death, but all traditional Chinese funerals include certain elements and follow specific etiquette. Mar 22, 2025 · While Western funerals often last a single day, Taiwanese funerals extend over several days and are communal, rich with symbolism. Nov 4, 2024 · Funeral customs between Taiwan and the West reflect deep cultural differences, especially in symbolism, ceremony size, and expressions of condolences. Witnessing that Chinese funeral raised so many questions about Chinese death customs, so a chance arose to visit the impossible-to-get-into Shanghai Funeral Museum this week, I cancelled everything else to get there. An overview of Chinese funeral customs and traditions, including the burning of Joss paper, ancestor worship and more Chinese funeral traditions have been carried down from generation to generation and still remain a part of modern society. The Funeral Market. These economic, social and cultural transformations have even affected funeral, mourning, and burial rites and practices, so that scholars and the media in Taiwan now speak of “the new funeral culture” and have begun to analyze the reasons for and ramifications of these developments. As a biracial What Happens at a Chinese Funeral? Traditions, Customs & Rituals A Chinese funeral holds deep significance and involves cultural practices that are unique. The Funeral: A Communal Farewell While Western funerals often last a single day, Taiwanese funerals extend over several days and are communal, rich with symbolism. I did not prod people to A Chinese funeral is steeped in solemn beauty and tradition. A foreigner explains the traditions, beliefs and practices involved in coordinating funeral arrangements for his Taiwanese wife’s family Story and photo by Trista di Genova, The Wild East Shawn DeVries has been sporting beardly growth these days; not because it’s winter, or because it’s fashionable – in Taiwan it definitely isn’t, anyway. In this blog, we will explore the different funeral rituals and rites, and let you know what you can expect at a Taiwanese funeral. Many families worry that they might not be able to carry out proper rituals in their new homeland. Funerals are big business in Taiwan. I only post what I considered interesting aspects of the many traditional customs during this event. Jan 1, 2026 · Taiwan's funeral rites are influenced by Buddhism, Taoism, ancestor worship, and folk religion. As a biracial Taiwanese-American archaeologist living in Idaho and studying in Taiwan, I am discovering the many faces of Taiwan’s blended cultural heritage drawn from the mix of peoples that have inhabited the island over millennia. Grieving relatives hire Buddhist monks to read scriptures for weeks to help the souls of the dead. In the 1990s an average funeral cost more than $10,000, about 40 percent of the average annual income. Jul 21, 2020 · Taiwan’s death rituals come from multiple spiritual sources. Comments on what I observed and heard are my personal feelings and may not jive with what an expert knows about these customs. A Taiwanese-American scholar explains what changes for those who make their home in the US. Taiwanese people living in the United States face a dilemma when loved ones die. Source: How Taiwanese death rituals have adapted for families living in the US - The Conversation. A Chinese funeral is steeped in solemn beauty and tradition. In this article, we explain some of those practices and discuss the option of cremation for a final goodbye. So Taiwanese Americans adapt to – and sometimes, accept the loss of – these traditions. By understanding these customs, individuals can offer support and understanding to others across cultures during times of grief. Explore the different funeral customs in Taiwan to compare to our own local traditions and protocols. Learn traditions, regional practices, and respectful etiquette. Attending a Chinese funeral for the first time can be intimidating, but understanding the customs and etiquette can help make it less da… Last August my Taiwanese father-in-law passed away. Feb 11, 2026 · Taiwanese people living in America often cannot participate in the rites of mourning and passage conducted back home because they do not have time or money, or recently, pandemic related travel restrictions. I am no expert on Taiwan customs. The bereaved family wears white (the color of mourning) and sometimes even rough-textured garments made from hemp, a tactile reminder of their raw sorrow. qve6po, kfpyb, z8vps, jjni, zfk07, wfgcr, kyae0, 73ej2, tear, ms1zd,