Common funerals in Hong Kong include:Non-religious, Christian/Catholic, Buddhism, TaoismFour major forms. This page details the procedures, taboos, incense offering/bowing methods, and sacrificial etiquette of the four rituals, so that relatives and friends can understand them more easily.
1. Non-religious funerals (most common)
The most popular model in Hong Kong, the process is simple and no religious ceremony is required.
- Incense:You can bow instead of offering incense.
- Ceremony content:Bow and observe silence.
- Taboo:Don’t talk about superstition, don’t ask about the cause of death, and don’t talk about sensitive topics.
- Attire:Dark, plain color.
- In tribute to:You can bow once or three times to the deceased photo.
2. Christian/Catholic Funeral
The ceremony is mainly composed of prayer, sermons and songs. Simple and dignified.
- No incense offerings/genuflections are allowed.
- No offerings, no burning of clothing paper.
- Ceremony content:Prayer, Bible reading, singing, memorial sermon.
- Greetings:Just bow and observe silence.
- Taboo:Do not use Chinese terms other than "rest" or "rebirth".
- flower stands wording suggestions:"Rest in the Lord's arms", "May the Lord comfort you".
The time for the pastor/priest to preside over the process is relatively fixed, and participants only need to follow the instructions to sit down/get up immediately.
3. Buddhist Funeral Ceremony
Mainly include chanting sutras, offering incense and bowing. The overall ceremony was gentle and solemn.
- Ceremony content:Recite the Amitabha Sutra and the Ksitigarbha Sutra, guide the way, and give instructions.
- Incense:Can be one stick or three sticks.
- Bow:Generally three bows.
- Offering:Fruits and tea can be simple.
- Taboo:Avoid using words such as "superstition" and avoid making noise.
- flower stands Terms:"Rebirth in Bliss", "Rebirth on the Lotus Pin".
Even if you do not believe in Buddhism, you can bow instead of offering incense. This is a respectful ritual.
4. Taoist Funeral Ceremony
The rituals are quite varied, including: making a ritual offering, offering sacrifices, leading the way, doing three obeisances, walking and stepping, etc. Hong Kong generally focuses on "simplified Taoism", which is not too complicated.
- Ceremony content:Heavenly position, three prayers, water request, and amulet ceremony.
- Incense:Three sticks are the main ones.
- Bow/kneel down:Depending on the ceremony, sometimes required.
- Offering:Three animals and fruits (general families will simplify this).
- Taboo:Do not step on ritual supplies or touch ritual objects.
- flower stands Terms:"Lingfeng Antai" and "Full Luck and Longevity".
Taoist rituals will be guided by a master. If you are not familiar with them, you can just bow lightly as instructed.
5. Comparison of the differences between the four major funeral ceremonies (table version)
| Ceremony Category | Incense | Bow/Kneel down | Main content | flower stands terminology |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Non-religious | × (bow instead) | ✔ | Bow and observe silence | Forever remembered |
| Christianity/Catholicism | × | ✔ | Prayer, hymns, sermons | Rest in peace in the arms of the Lord |
| Buddhist | ✔（1–3 sticks） | ✔ (three bows) | Chanting and teaching | Bliss in the afterlife |
| Taoist | ✔（三炷） | ✔(depending on the ceremony) | Leading the way, making offerings, and paying three respects | Lingfeng Antai |