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Buddism
Most Buddhist funerals take place in a funeral home rather than a temple. Visitation and viewing of the remains is held the evening before the funeral. The family will sit in the reposing room with the casket as visitors greet them, offer their condolences and go to the casket and bow. The visitors may stay and sit with the family for a while or leave. The family wears white which is the colour of grieving, while friends often wear black. Ritual chanting may begin at the deceased's death and continue throughout the services.
Inside the funeral home a table is set up with candles and incense, which burn until the remains are conveyed to the cemetery or crematorium. Food and incense are left on the table as the offering to the deceased and the gods.
The funeral service is traditionally conducted by a monk or nun. Visitors are not expected to participate in prayers and chants. At the conclusion of the service, visitors come forward in groups and bow before the casket as a way of showing their final respect.
Either at the funeral home or cemetery, guests may be given an envelope containing a coin, for good luck, and a candy to help to take away the bitter taste of death. It is usually preferred that the casket not be lowered in front of family members. After the graveside service, family and close friends usually share a meal.
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