A Brief Introduction of Death in China

The keynote for funeral and memorial service is spiritual eternity and continuation of life after death.Death at old age is a normal course of life referred to as”passing away”or”return to heaven”，which means back to mother’s body of the universe.Wedding and funeral are”red and white happy events”in Chinese culture.

Form of the Funeral Ceremony

The funeral ceremony，traditionally lasts over 49 days，the first seven days being the most important.Prayers are said every seven days for 49 days if the family can afford it.If the family is in poor circumstances，the period may be shortened to from 3to 7 days.Usually，it is the responsibility of the daughters to bear the funeral expenses.The head of the family should be present for，at least the first and，possibly the second，prayer ceremony.

The number of ceremonies conducted is dependent on the financial situation of the family.The head of the family should also be present for the burial or the cremation.

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