How the common religions of Singapore hold funerals

Funerals are a deeply personal and emotional ceremony. Cultures from all around the world share a deep respect for life and the people who lived them, so it’s only fair that the passing of a loved one is an occasion that’s noted universally. Funeral rites and rituals exist in one form or another across societies, tribes, groups, and families.

But the interesting thing about funerals is that, though the concept of death may be universal, the ways in which we pay our respects to the dead vary greatly. Depending on nationality, race, or even individual, the funeral rites that are done for the recently deceased may be different to what one may be accustomed to. By far one of the biggest determinants for funeral rites is religion-- something you’ve probably thought of first when you’re thinking about funeral services in Singapore!

Religion in Singapore
Singapore is a melting pot of religious backgrounds. The biggest religious group are the Buddhists (at roughly 33%), Christians (18%), and Muslims (14%). Let’s take a look at some of the groups and how they conduct their funerals.

1. Christianity. Christians can be broken down into several different denominations. Depending on the denomination, their funerals can vary. The most common parts in Christian funeral services are the prayer rites and eulogy.
2. Buddhism. Buddhist funeral services usually include an altar to the deceased. The body is usually cremated.
3. Islam. Prayers are mainly said silently. The body and all attendants all face in the direction of Mecca.
4. Catholics. As one of the largest denominations, Catholic funeral services are some of the most traditional, adhering to rituals and masses.
5. Freethinkers. Also known as the religious “nones”, these are people who don’t identify with any religion. As a result, their funeral rites are some of the most diverse.

Want to give your dearly departed the sendoff they deserve? Contact Ang Chin Moh Funeral Directors, a funeral parlour in Singapore, for assistance in arranging funeral rites for varying  religions.

Resource:
https://visual.ly/community/Infographics/business/how-common-religions-singapore-hold-funerals