A Buddhist funeral in Singapore usually follows the broad shape of a Chinese funeral: a wake of several days, chanting for the deceased, and a final day when the family follows the hearse to the crematorium. Many families also include customs from Taoism or folk practice, so no two Buddhist funerals look exactly alike. This guide mainly describes Chinese Buddhist practice, which is the most common in Singapore. Theravada, Tibetan and other Buddhist traditions have their own rites. Treat what follows as typical practice, and check the details with your temple and funeral director.
What usually happens
After the death is certified, the funeral director collects the deceased, arranges embalming and dressing, and sets up the wake at a void deck, a multipurpose hall, a funeral parlour or the family home. An altar with a photo of the deceased is placed in front of the casket, and the family receives visitors there.
The National Heritage Board notes that Chinese death rituals in Singapore are shaped by both Buddhist and Taoist ideas, together with the value of filial piety. Some families burn paper offerings printed with Buddhist scriptures, and on the final day a hearse for a Buddhist funeral may carry a lotus flower.
The wake and chanting
Monks or nuns are usually invited to chant sutras at the wake. The chanting is meant to help the deceased towards a good rebirth, and the texts often carry lessons about a parent’s care and sacrifice. How many sessions are held, and on which nights, depends on the temple and the family.
The National Heritage Board describes a typical Chinese wake as lasting three to seven days, and the National Library Board notes the long-standing custom of an odd number of days. Family members keep vigil through the wake. If the wake will go on for more than seven days after the death, NEA’s prior written permission is required.
For a closer look at how Buddhist and Taoist rites differ, read our guide to Buddhist and Taoist funerals.
Cremation and ashes
On the final day, relatives pay their last respects before the casket goes to the crematorium. NEA runs Mandai Crematorium and Mandai North Crematorium, and burial at Choa Chu Kang Cemetery is also available. After cremation, ashes can be kept in a government or private columbarium niche, kept at home, or scattered at NEA’s inland gardens or at a designated site at sea. Some Buddhist temples offer niches, ancestral tablets and prayers for the departed, including merit dedication.
Our guide to cremation or burial explains each option.
What a Buddhist funeral costs
Most Buddhist funeral packages in Singapore cost between about $5,300 and $8,900 for a 3-day wake. A direct cremation without a wake starts from about $1,400. The price mainly depends on the number of wake days, how many chanting sessions are included, where the wake is held, the casket, and extras such as catering. Compare the listed packages above, then ask two or three directors for a full written quote.
If you are attending a Buddhist wake
- What to wear: simple clothes in white, black, grey or other muted colours. Avoid red and bright colours.
- At the altar: you may be offered joss sticks to pay your respects. If you prefer not to, a quiet bow in front of the altar is fine.
- Condolence money: most families accept a white envelope with a cash gift, often called bai jin. Many follow the custom of giving an odd amount.
- Food: some families serve only vegetarian food at the wake.
What to ask a funeral director
Buddhist funeral packages vary a lot, so compare them item by item. Useful questions:
- Which temple or group of monks or nuns will chant, and how many sessions are included?
- Is the offering to the monks or nuns in the package, or paid separately?
- How many days of wake does the price assume, and what does an extra day add?
- Does the package include the cremation booking and permit, and collecting the ashes?
- Can the altar and rites follow our own temple’s practice?
Our checklist of what funeral packages include can help you read a quote.