Taoist funerals in Singapore are among the most elaborate and ritualistic, deeply rooted in Chinese spiritual traditions. They vary significantly by dialect group -- Hokkien, Teochew, Cantonese, Hakka, and Hainanese -- but share the common goal of guiding the deceased's soul to the afterlife and maintaining harmony between the living and the spiritual realm.
This guide covers all aspects of Taoist funeral customs in Singapore, from the role of Taoist priests and joss paper burning to dialect-specific rites and the 49-day mourning period.
Duration and Format
Taoist wakes typically last 3, 5, or 7 days (always an odd number, considered auspicious in Taoist belief). The choice of duration depends on family preference, the age and status of the deceased, and budget considerations.
Wakes are commonly held at:
- HDB void decks (with Town Council permits)
- Funeral parlours
- Private residences
For information on booking a void deck, see our guide to void deck funeral permits.
The Role of Taoist Priests
Taoist priests (Tao Shi / Dao Shi) are central to the ceremony, leading all major rituals.
Responsibilities
- Performing chanting and prayers, often in the deceased's native dialect
- Leading rituals to ensure a peaceful transition during the soul's journey
- Overseeing the encoffin process and all ceremonial elements
- Guiding the family through proper funeral observances
Number of Priests
The number of priests varies by dialect tradition:
- Cantonese rites: Traditionally use 4 priests
- Other dialect groups (Hokkien, Teochew, Hakka, Hainanese): Commonly use 5 priests
Key Rituals and Ceremonies
Encoffin Prayers
Before the coffin is sealed, the priests perform specific rituals including placing a pearl and joss paper in the deceased's mouth. This is believed to provide the deceased with spiritual provisions for the journey ahead.
Scripture Chanting
Throughout the wake, Taoist priests recite Taoist scriptures and sutras to ask for repentance on behalf of the deceased and guide the soul through the afterlife.
Soul-Calling Ritual
Priests invite the spirit of the deceased to "return" to the altar. This establishes the connection between the living family and the departed spirit, allowing for proper rituals and offerings.
Breaking the Hell's Gate
One of the most dramatic rituals in a Taoist funeral. Priests construct and then break a symbolic gate representing the obstacles the soul faces in the underworld. By breaking the gate, the priests help free the soul from suffering.
Merit-Making Ceremonies
On the final night of the wake, a merit-making ceremony is held. In Hokkien tradition, this is called the "Tng Say Hong", where priests petition deities for the deceased's safe passage to the afterlife.
Joss Paper Burning
Joss paper burning is central to Taoist funeral customs and one of the most distinctive features of a Taoist wake.
What Gets Burned
Paper items are burned so they can be "spiritually transferred" to the deceased:
- Joss money (gold and silver paper)
- Hell Bank Notes (symbolic currency for the afterlife)
- Paper houses, complete with furniture and servants
- Paper cars and other vehicles
- Modern items: phones, credit cards, designer goods
- Gold mountains and other wealth symbols
- Paper clothing
Purpose
- To provide the deceased with comfort, wealth, and protection in the next realm
- To appease underworld judges who determine the soul's fate
- To maintain the bond between the living and the dead (filial piety)
Singapore Guidelines
The Taoist Federation Singapore recommends responsible burning:
- Burn only 3-4 pieces at a time for complete combustion to reduce smoke and ash
- Clear all prayer items after the ritual in public places
- At void decks, use designated incinerators only
Paper offerings are burned throughout the wake period and may continue during the 49-day mourning period.
Dialect-Specific Traditions
Taoist funerals in Singapore vary significantly by dialect group. Here are the distinctive features of each tradition:
Hokkien Funerals
Often the most elaborate, lasting 3-5 days. Key features include:
- "Tng Say Hong" (merit-making ceremony) on the final night, petitioning deities for the deceased's passage
- "Breaking of the Bridge" ritual
- Extensive burning of paper items (houses, cars)
- Summoning of the Soul as a key ritual
- Generally the most elaborate and expensive dialect-group funeral
Teochew Funerals
Known for their solemnity and relative simplicity. Key features include:
- Spirit Tablet Installation
- Burning of Hell Bank Notes
- Procession and Release Ritual
- "Bridge Crossing Ceremony" (Nai He Qiao): The family symbolically helps the deceased cross the bridge to the afterlife
- Offerings of rice and brown sugar by kin
Cantonese Funerals
Distinctive features include:
- "Buying Water Ceremony": The eldest son ceremonially washes the deceased
- "Breaking Hell's Gate"
- Spirit Bridge Crossing
- Processions accompanied by a Taoist Band
- Uses 4 priests instead of the typical 5
Hakka Funerals
Emphasise:
- Ancestor Worship as a central focus
- Chanting of Taoist Scriptures
- Post-Funeral Ancestor Worship ceremonies
Hainanese Funerals
Generally more minimalist, featuring:
- Water Cleansing Ritual
- Simpler overall ceremony structure
Funeral Procession
On the final day of the wake:
- The coffin is moved outside the wake venue
- White and yellow papers are affixed to the coffin
- The procession is led by the Taoist priests
- Mourners must look away when the coffin is nailed shut (this is considered taboo)
- If burial is chosen, mourners must also look away when the body is lowered into the ground
- "Big Headed Dolls" (da tou wa wa) may appear in some processions for spiritual guidance
Altar Setup
The altar is the central focal point of a Taoist wake:
- A photograph of the deceased is prominently displayed
- Sacred lamp symbolising the Elixir of Immortality
- 2 large candles and 2 smaller candles
- Tea, rice, and water offerings
- Joss sticks (incense) in a joss pot
- Offerings of the deceased's favourite foods and fruits
- Paper offerings/effigies prepared for later burning
- Symbolic lanterns and scrolls
- Spirit tablet (Shen Zhu Pai)
- Taoist backdrop and ceremonial decorations at the casket area
The Taoist priest guides the altar setup to ensure it follows proper tradition.
Mourning Attire
For Close Relatives
- Traditionally wear white throughout the funeral period, symbolising purity and respect
- Funeral packages may include white T-shirts for the ceremony
- Mourning garments are available for purchase (shirt approximately $7, pants approximately $9, socks approximately $1.50)
For Attendees
- Dress in dark, subdued colours (black or white are most appropriate)
- Strictly avoid red or bright colours. Red is believed to turn the spirit into a ghost.
For the Deceased
- Usually dressed in black, brown, white, or blue
- Red clothing is never used for the deceased
The 49-Day Mourning Period
After the funeral, a 49-day mourning period (Zuo Qi / "doing the sevens") is observed. During this time, the soul is believed to be in an intermediate state awaiting reincarnation.
Two Forms of Observance
An Ling (Settling the Soul at Home)
- An altar is set up at home with a spirit tablet, photographs of the deceased, a joss pot with joss sticks
- Daily offerings of food, drinks, and incense for 49 days
Ji Ling (Lodging the Soul at a Temple/Columbarium)
- The spirit tablet is placed in a temple or columbarium
- Monks or priests conduct daily prayers on the family's behalf
Key Prayer Dates
| Day | Name | Significance | |---|---|---| | 7th day | Tou Qi ("head seven") | First major prayer ceremony | | 21st day | San Qi | Mid-period observance | | 35th day | Wu Qi | Continued prayers for the soul | | 49th day | Yuan Qi ("completion seven") | Most significant ceremony; marks end of mourning period |
Cantonese Variation
Some Cantonese families consider the mourning period officially over after the 21st day due to a ritual called "Fang Hun" (release of the soul).
Behaviour During Mourning
- Refrain from joyous activities (no weddings, celebrations, or bright colours)
- Regular prayer and offerings at the home altar or temple
- Acts of merit on behalf of the deceased
Estimated Costs
Taoist funerals are generally the most expensive funeral type in Singapore due to the elaborate rituals and paper offerings.
- Average cost (3-day wake): $8,000 - $15,000
- Can range from $8,000 to $10,000+ for a standard 3-day wake at an HDB void deck
For a full cost comparison, see our guide to funeral costs in Singapore.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a Taoist funeral last?
Typically 3, 5, or 7 days (always an odd number). The duration depends on family preference, the deceased's status, and budget.
What should I wear to a Taoist funeral?
White or dark, subdued colours. Black is also appropriate. Strictly avoid red, as it is believed to have negative spiritual consequences at a funeral.
What is the 49-day mourning period?
A post-funeral observance (An Ling or Ji Ling) during which the soul is believed to be in an intermediate state before reincarnation. Families maintain an altar and conduct prayers every 7th day, with the 49th day being the most significant ceremony.
Why do Taoists burn joss paper?
Joss paper and paper effigies are burned to provide the deceased with material comforts, wealth, and protection in the afterlife. It is also an expression of filial piety and maintaining the bond between the living and the dead.
How many Taoist priests are needed?
Typically 4-5 depending on the dialect group. Cantonese rites traditionally use 4 priests, while other dialect groups commonly use 5.
What offerings should I bring to a Taoist funeral?
Incense, fruits, or white chrysanthemums are appropriate. Condolence money (bai jin) in a white envelope is also customary.
What are the differences between Hokkien and Teochew Taoist funerals?
Hokkien funerals tend to be more elaborate with ceremonies like "Tng Say Hong" and extensive paper burning. Teochew funerals are known for solemnity and feature distinctive rituals like the "Bridge Crossing Ceremony" and offerings of rice and brown sugar.
How much does a Taoist funeral cost in Singapore?
A standard 3-day Taoist funeral at an HDB void deck typically costs $8,000 to $15,000, making it one of the most expensive funeral types in Singapore. The cost is driven by elaborate rituals, multiple priests, and extensive paper offerings.