Expat’s Guide to Funerals in Hong Kong
Losing a loved one is never easy, and navigating funeral customs in a new country can add extra complexity. If you find yourself attending or arranging a funeral in Hong Kong, this guide will help you understand the key customs, etiquette, and practicalities involved.
1. Funeral Customs and Traditions
Cultural Influences
Hong Kong funerals often blend Chinese traditional rituals with modern practices. The majority of funerals are influenced by Chinese customs, though Western-style ceremonies and Christian or Catholic funerals are also common due to the city’s diverse population.
Funeral Types
Traditional Chinese Funeral: Includes rituals such as burning incense, offering food and paper offerings (joss paper), and specific mourning attire.
Christian or Catholic Funeral: Often held in churches or funeral homes, with a mass or service conducted by clergy.
Cremation: Increasingly popular due to limited burial space; ashes may be kept in columbaria or scattered.
2. Funeral Etiquette for Attendees
Dress Code
Wear somber colors such as black or dark gray.
Avoid bright colors, especially red, which is associated with happiness.
For traditional Chinese funerals, white or black clothing is typical for mourners.
Behavior
Show respect by maintaining a quiet, solemn demeanor.
Follow the lead of family members in terms of rituals or bowing.
Avoid taking photos unless explicitly allowed.
Gifts and Condolences
Offer condolence money in a white envelope (called “bai jin”) if attending a wake or funeral. This helps the family with funeral costs.
Present flowers or white chrysanthemums; red flowers should be avoided.
Express sympathy with simple phrases such as “My deepest condolences.”
3. Common Rituals and Customs
Wake and Viewing
The wake may last several days, allowing friends and family to pay respects.
Offerings of food, incense, and paper money are common.
Burning Paper Offerings
Paper replicas of money, clothes, or even luxury items (cars, houses) are burned as offerings for the deceased in the afterlife.
This is usually done at the funeral or during the wake.
Mourning Period
Family members often observe a mourning period, wearing white or black armbands.
Some families follow customs that last for 49 days or longer.
4. Practical Considerations
Funeral Homes and Services
Funeral homes in Hong Kong provide a range of services from traditional rituals to Western-style funerals.
It’s common to arrange funerals through specialized funeral service companies.
Legal Requirements
Deaths must be registered with the Hong Kong government.
Burial space is limited, so cremation is more common.
Ashes can be stored in columbaria, which are niche walls designed for urns, often located in temples or dedicated memorial halls.
Transportation
Funeral processions may involve a hearse and family vehicles.
Public transport is generally avoided during processions.
5. Additional Tips for Expats
Ask for guidance: If unsure about customs, politely ask a local friend or the family what to expect.
Be respectful: Customs vary between families; respect their traditions even if they differ from your own.
Condolence language: Learn simple phrases in Cantonese such as “節哀順變” (jit oi seun bin, meaning “accept your loss and move on”) or “唔該晒” (m̀h gōi saai, thank you very much).
Consider religious customs: If the deceased or family follow a particular faith, familiarize yourself with related customs.
