BEFORE THE FUNERAL

The tendency is to dress conservatively as a token of respect for the dead. Women wear black dresses and sometimes black hats, while men opt for black or dark suits and perhaps a black or darkish tie. The tradition of wearing a black arm band is hardly observed these days, but at Chinese funerals it is quite common for mourners to wear white arm bands. In some situations more casual forms of dress may be acceptable – particularly in the case of someone who died young.

Usually the close family members assemble at the deceased’s house on the day of the funeral to await the arrival of the hearse containing the coffin and the funeral conductor. The latter, who is normally dressed in a black frock coat, will explain the procedures.

At the appointed time the hearse leaves with a driver and the funeral conductor. This is followed by the funeral party, either in a funeral car provided (or hired in) by the funeral director to the funeral venue or their own transport. Most people attending the funeral will make their own way there, but others may wish to form part of the funeral cortege.