Honouring Chinese Funeral Traditions
In Line with Faith and Family Wishes

Rowland Brothers have supported Chinese families of all faiths in Croydon, Bromley and South London for over 150 years.

Chinese funeral traditions vary considerably from family to family, shaped by faith, region of origin and personal preference. Some families follow Buddhist or Taoist rites, whereas others observe Christian traditions or a blend of all three. Our role is to understand what matters to your family and make sure the practical arrangements support it – not get in the way of it.

Understanding Chinese Funeral Traditions

At the heart of most Chinese funeral traditions is a deep respect for ancestors and a belief that how the deceased is honoured in death has a bearing on what follows – both for them and for the family left behind. The funeral is not just a ceremony; it’s a responsibility.

Many Chinese funeral traditions include some or all of the following:

  • A wake or visitation period, often lasting several days, where family and friends pay their respects
  • The burning of incense and the offering of food, flowers or symbolic items to honour the deceased
  • Paper offerings – including paper money, clothing or household items – burned so that they pass to the deceased in the afterlife
  • Specific mourning dress, often white or black depending on tradition
  • Prayers and chanting led by monks, a priest or other faith leaders
  • Careful attention to the timing and direction of burial or cremation, sometimes guided by a feng shui master

Not every family will observe every tradition, and that’s completely normal. We’ll always take our lead from you.

Chinese Funerals

Understanding Chinese Funeral Traditions

At the heart of most Chinese funeral traditions is a deep respect for ancestors and a belief that how the deceased is honoured in death has a bearing on what follows – both for them and for the family left behind. The funeral is not just a ceremony; it’s a responsibility.

Many Chinese funeral traditions include some or all of the following:

  • A wake or visitation period, often lasting several days, where family and friends pay their respects
  • The burning of incense and the offering of food, flowers or symbolic items to honour the deceased
  • Paper offerings – including paper money, clothing or household items – burned so that they pass to the deceased in the afterlife
  • Specific mourning dress, often white or black depending on tradition
  • Prayers and chanting led by monks, a priest or other faith leaders
  • Careful attention to the timing and direction of burial or cremation, sometimes guided by a feng shui master

Not every family will observe every tradition, and that’s completely normal. We’ll always take our lead from you.

Chinese Funerals

Buddhist, Taoist and Christian Chinese Funerals

The faith background of the family will shape the shape of the service considerably.

Buddhist funerals often involve monks performing chanting and prayer over a period of days, helping to guide the soul of the deceased and ease their transition.

Taoist rites similarly focus on the journey of the spirit, with specific prayers and rituals designed to bring peace and good fortune to the deceased and the family.

Chinese Christian families may incorporate many of the same cultural customs around mourning and ancestral respect while conducting the service itself within a Christian framework.

Whatever the faith background, we’ll work with your chosen faith leaders and community representatives to make sure the service is carried out the way the family wants it.

Chinese Funerals

Memorial Periods & Traditions

Chinese funeral traditions often extend well beyond the day of the funeral itself. Many families observe a mourning period of 49 days, during which prayers or rituals may take place at regular intervals. The 100th day after death and annual Qingming festival – when families visit and tend to the graves of ancestors – are also significant.

We’re always happy to talk through longer-term memorialisation options – from grave maintenance to memorial plaques – so that families can continue to honour their loved ones in the way their tradition asks of them.

How We Support Chinese Families in Croydon & South London

Understanding your family’s specific traditions and faith background before anything is arranged

Coordination with Buddhist temples, Taoist priests, Christian ministers or other faith leaders

Arranging multi-day wakes and visitation periods

Accommodating incense and offerings as part of the arrangements where possible

Support for burial or cremation, with guidance on timing considerations

Longer-term memorialisation options for families who observe ongoing mourning traditions

International repatriation if your loved one is to be returned to their country of origin

We handle everything and we coordinate directly with your family and faith leader to make things easier during a difficult time.

While our team reflects a range of backgrounds, we work closely with families, faith leaders and community representatives to ensure funeral services are carried out with cultural understanding and respect.

Contact Us

Every family is different, and we’d always rather spend time understanding your specific traditions than make assumptions.

If you’ve just lost a loved one and need help straight away, call us on 0800 0789 636 – we’re here 24 hours a day.

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