The fundamental difference between the two lies in the manifestation of the Eastern collectivist filial piety culture and the Western individualist religious culture (with Christianity being the main form). Specifically, it can be compared from 6 dimensions:
Chinese-style funeral (taking the traditional Han ethnicity as an example)
Western-style funerals (Taking Christian traditions as an example)
core ideology
"Filial piety" and "treating the deceased as if they were still alive" are central to Chinese funerals. They fulfill filial responsibilities and show respect for the departed through ceremonies, all the while upholding the family's moral hierarchy.
"Religious redemption" and "eternal soul existence" are the main themes of Western-style funerals. They help the dead "return to heaven," calm the living's emotions, and concentrate on "the eternity of life" through rituals.
The core procedures of Chinese-style funeral and Western-style funeral
Chinese-style funeral
1) Cremation: The deceased's body is left at home or in a funeral home for three to seven days so that family members can pay their respects.
2) Family members bring wreaths, condolence notes, and other items to the memorial service. Give the present, bow in front of the deceased's photo, and give the family members your sympathies by shaking hands;
3) Funeral procession: The family members dress in black or white dresses for mourning, the oldest son carries the photo, and the procession heads to the cemetery with funeral music and, in some places, paper money;
4)Burial: A "tofu feast" is conducted to express gratitude to the relatives after the body (or ashes) is buried, the family members distribute the soil and offer flowers;
5) Follow-up ceremonies: Offer sacrifices on the 7th, 37th, 57th, 100th, and anniversary days; in certain regions, "mourning for three years" is customary.
Western-style funeral
1.Vigil (Wake): The body of the deceased is taken to a funeral home or church. Family members provide peaceful company while donning black veils and white flowers. They can offer prayers and tell the life narrative of the departed.
2.Church ceremony : Conducted by the priest, with the choir singing, the priest reading the Bible and praying, and the family members delivering eulogies;
3.Funeral procession: Family members wear black formal attire (without the concept of "mourning clothes"), the body is transported by a hearse, and relatives drive along; there are no customs such as burning paper money;
4.Burial / cremation: If buried in the cemetery, the priest conducts the final prayer in the cemetery, and the family presents flowers; if cremated, the ashes can be stored in the cemetery or scattered in nature (subject to regulations);
5.Subsequent ceremonies: Mostly "memorial services" (Memorial Service), with no fixed schedule, focusing more on "memorial" rather than "worship".
Requirements for clothing
Chinese-style funeral attire
Family members must wear mourning attire, which is typically composed of coarse linen but is now reduced to black pants and a jacket with a white mourning band or cap. Direct relatives wear heavier mourning garments. Friends and family should stay away from bright colors and wear gloomy hues like blue, gray, and black.
Western-style clothing
"Mourning attire" will not be worn. In addition to wearing black armbands or white condolence flowers, everyone will dress in black formal wear, such as men's suits and women's black dresses or slacks. The attire should be modest and somber.
Core item
Chinese-style items
Floral wreaths, condolence letters (written statements of sympathy), paper money (in certain places), candles and incense, offerings (meals, fruits, or sacrifices), and images of the departed (enlarged pictures in black frames).
Western-style items
White / plain flowers (such as lilies, white roses, symbolizing purity), cross ornaments (for Christian families), memorial albums (containing photos and words of the deceased's life), charitable donations (some families will make donations in the deceased's name instead of using a wreath).
site selection
Selection of Chinese-style venues
Tradition: At the home of the deceased (for holding the body, paying respects) + Public cemetery; Modern: Mostly at funeral homes (for holding the body, holding farewell ceremonies) + Cemeteries. In some areas, the custom of "family clan cemetery" is still maintained.
Western-style venue
Mostly at the church (the core of the ceremony) + the funeral home (for the vigil) + the cemetery (for the burial), some non-religious families may choose to hold the memorial service at the funeral home or an outdoor venue (such as a park).
expression of feelings
Chinese style
Allowing the expression of grief publicly is common; family members crying and kneeling are typical behaviors, regarded as an expression of "filial piety". The overall atmosphere of the ceremony is solemn and respectful, carrying a heavy sense of "sad farewell".
the west
More emphasis is placed on "calm commemoration", avoiding excessive crying or intense emotions. The atmosphere of the ceremony focuses on "appreciating the lives of the deceased" rather than "immersing in sorrow". Some memorial services will share the warm stories of the deceased to convey positive emotions.
Core Industry Terminology of Western Funerals (English-Chinese Dictionary)
- Lying in State/Wake: The Chinese phrase "sheng ling" emphasizes "family vigil" more. The phrase "Lying in State" in English is typically applied to significant individuals, including national leaders. "Wake" is a more sensible option in everyday circumstances.
- The terms "condolence visit" and "paying respects" are interchangeable and refer to "the act of paying respects" and "showing respect to the deceased," respectively.
- Funeral Procession:Refers to "the procession and process of the body moving from the mortuary to the cemetery / crematorium". The Chinese funeral procession is larger in scale, while the Western style is more often characterized by vehicles following behind.
- Interment / Burial:All refer to "placing the body / ashes in the grave", "Interment" is more formal, while "Burial" is more common (e.g. "Burial Service" = funeral ceremony).
- Wake: Please be aware that this translation differs from "shưulíng" in Chinese. The Western word "Wake" emphasizes "companionship of relatives and friends" more than "showing filial piety" at all.
