The Key Differences in Malaysian Funeral Ceremonies You Should Know
By - Jeremy G
Malaysia is known for its rich cultural and religious diversity, which extends to funeral ceremonies. Each ethnic group in the country follows distinct funeral rites based on long-standing beliefs and customs.
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In this blog post, we will explore the funeral ceremonies practised by major ethnic groups in Malaysia, including the Chinese, Malay, and Indian communities, and how their traditions reflect their cultural values.
Nirvana Asia, a leader in the funeral industry, offers services for most of these traditions—except for one. Continue reading to find out which one.
Funeral Ceremonies Among the Chinese Ethnic Group
Buddhist Funeral Rites
A Buddhist funeral ceremony focuses on helping the soul of the deceased find peace and a better reincarnation.
The body is cleaned and dressed in traditional clothing, and offerings such as food, flowers, and incense are made.
Family members often offer these items to honour the deceased and seek blessings for the spirit.
Monks chant sacred sutras during the wake ceremony, which typically lasts for a few days. Joss paper and symbolic items are burned during the funeral.
Taoist Funeral Ceremonies
Taoist funerals are heavily influenced by Feng Shui. The timing, location, and rituals are carefully chosen to ensure peace for the deceased and good fortune for the living.
Rituals such as the burning of symbolic paper goods (houses, cars, etc.) are believed to help the deceased in the afterlife.
A unique aspect of Taoist funerals is the hiring of professional mourners to wail during the procession, demonstrating public grief.
The ceremony also includes the breaking of a bowl to symbolise the release of the spirit from earthly attachments, ensuring a peaceful journey to the afterlife.
Chinese Christian Funerals
For Chinese Christian funerals, the ceremony usually includes a wake where family and friends gather to offer prayers and pay their respects.
The service may feature scripture readings, hymns, and eulogies, followed by either burial or cremation.
Attending a funeral ceremony for Christians in Malaysia is a communal experience focused on offering prayers for the soul of the deceased.
Catholic Funeral Ceremonies
Catholic funeral ceremonies in Malaysia involve a Requiem Mass, during which prayers are said for the repose of the soul.​
The priest blesses the coffin, and the funeral concludes with either burial or cremation.
In Catholicism, burial tends to be more common, reflecting the belief in bodily resurrection.
Funeral Ceremonies Among the Malay Ethnic Group (Islamic Funerals)
In Islamic funeral ceremonies, the body is washed and wrapped in a simple white cloth known as kafan, symbolising purity and equality.
The funeral prayer, known as Salat al-Janazah, is performed either at the mosque or burial site.
Cremation is prohibited in Islam, so the body is always buried, positioned to face Mecca.
Mourning lasts for three days, but widows observe a longer period of four months and ten days.
It’s important to note that Nirvana Asia is not permitted to host Islamic funerals due to religious guidelines.
Funeral Ceremonies Among the Indian Ethnic Group (Hindu Funerals)
For Hindu funeral ceremonies, the body is washed and dressed in a simple white cloth, symbolising purity.
A small lamp is placed near the head to guide the soul, and the funeral ceremony revolves around the cremation ceremony. Fire is believed to purify the body and help the soul on its journey to reincarnation.
A male family member, usually the eldest son, is responsible for lighting the funeral pyre or cremation fire. Afterward, the ashes are often scattered at sea, following Hindu tradition.
The Importance of Funeral Ceremonies
Funeral ceremonies across different religions in Malaysia reflect deeply ingrained beliefs about life, death, and the afterlife.
From Buddhist burial ceremonies to Chinese death ceremonies and cremation ceremonies, each practice emphasises respect for the deceased and hopes for their peaceful transition to the afterlife.
At Nirvana Asia, we offer comprehensive services for these traditions—except for Islamic funerals—ensuring that every funeral ceremony is conducted with respect for the customs and beliefs of the deceased’s family.
Trust Malaysia Funeral for Your Funeral Planning
Choosing the right funeral planner is essential for ensuring a respectful and seamless process.
Malaysia Funeral is one of Malaysia’s leading funeral planners, consistently ranked in the top 10 for its professionalism and expertise in handling various funeral traditions.
With years of experience and a reputation for excellence, you can trust our team to provide the support and services you need to honour your loved ones with dignity.
Contact Jeremy today to learn more about our comprehensive funeral services and how we can help you plan with confidence.
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