Keeping the Wake
The custom of keeping wake at funerals depends on the choice of the priest or monk from the religious sect. The practice of religious rites vary greatly in the use of musical instruments, chanting and the participation of the family members. The Buddhist monks say their prayers and chant without the use of musical instruments. On the contrary the Taoist priests conduct their rites with a lot of action and the playing of the musical instruments loudly. The family members would be kept busy performing the rites or group praying. Guests would be served with packets of mineral water, peanuts and sometimes a light supper.
The custom of keeping wake at funerals depends on the choice of the priest or monk from the religious sect. The practice of religious rites vary greatly in the use of musical instruments, chanting and the participation of the family members. The Buddhist monks say their prayers and chant without the use of musical instruments. On the contrary the Taoist priests conduct their rites with a lot of action and the playing of the musical instruments loudly. The family members would be kept busy performing the rites or group praying. Guests would be served with packets of mineral water, peanuts and sometimes a light supper.
Donations are accepted and in return 2 sweets are given for good luck. The funeral parlour can offer various packages to cater to the family's needs. This then is the normal traditional wake.
There are however, some variations to the modern way of keeping wakes which are uncommon. There was a case where there was no monk or priest to perform the rites and no prayers. The only sounds were from the casset player which played non-stop soft music and songs from the oldies. The decease daughter told me that these were her late mother's favourites. The atmosphere was serene, friendly except that it was in a funeral parlour.
There was another case where there was a small group in the wake. Apart from the Taoist rites brandy and beer was served in teapots to the drinking "kakis." As for me when almost all the guests had left the wake for my late mother, the drinking "kakis" of the family got together and had a good session until the wee hours with bouts of cheers to grandma(amah) and mak as she was also once a "kaki"too. Above are pictures taken during my late mother's wake.
Having related this story to a friend he also said that he had instructed his wife for a simple funeral. Being a Hindu the rites are already simple and yet he wanted it to be more simple and quick. She replied that when you are alive we take instructions but when your are dead you take
There are however, some variations to the modern way of keeping wakes which are uncommon. There was a case where there was no monk or priest to perform the rites and no prayers. The only sounds were from the casset player which played non-stop soft music and songs from the oldies. The decease daughter told me that these were her late mother's favourites. The atmosphere was serene, friendly except that it was in a funeral parlour.
There was another case where there was a small group in the wake. Apart from the Taoist rites brandy and beer was served in teapots to the drinking "kakis." As for me when almost all the guests had left the wake for my late mother, the drinking "kakis" of the family got together and had a good session until the wee hours with bouts of cheers to grandma(amah) and mak as she was also once a "kaki"too. Above are pictures taken during my late mother's wake.
Having related this story to a friend he also said that he had instructed his wife for a simple funeral. Being a Hindu the rites are already simple and yet he wanted it to be more simple and quick. She replied that when you are alive we take instructions but when your are dead you take
our instructions !!!
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