Taoist Funeral.

Traditionally, Chinese funerals in Singapore are usually preceded by a wake under the void deck of a HDB goverment apartment building. They last 3 to 7 days and at no time is the body left alone. Depending on the religion and age of decease, there can be elaborate ceremonies. Anyone above 80 of age deserves a ‘happy funeral’ where no tears are expected. During the days of wake, friends and relatives visit to pay their last respect and all will give ‘white money’ which is recorded and used to help pay for the wake. To celebrate a happy funeral, guests may engage in majong games to create a noisy atmosphere. Elaborate religious ritual may take place on 1 night and guests be served with a buffet dinner. This one is Taoist and led by a Priest. I caught them on the last day of the funeral. All the family is dressed alike and the colour patch on the right hand side of mourning shirt shows the relationship with the diseased. Bands play music during processions to ward off evil spirits and guide the deceased's soul to the afterlife. The music is often loud and lively, meant to be a form of protection as the procession moves towards the cemetery or crematorium. The family will follow the brightly decorated hearse down the road with the sons symbolically pushing the hearse to accompany the body on its journey to the other side so show that they are not alone.