Asian Traditions

Asian religious and burial traditions vary widely among Chinese, Indian, Filipino, Vietnamese, Korean and Japanese families. In some cases, a funeral may include a procession, with mourners wearing white or black clothing. Others might celebrate and remember at the cemetery each spring.


Tradition holds deep significance across Asian cultures, especially when it comes to honoring loved ones who have died. Asian funeral customs offer families meaningful and respectful ways to say their final goodbyes. Spanning a vast and diverse range of ethnicities, religions and regions, Asian families often incorporate Buddhist, Hindu, Taoist, Muslim, Christian or other faith-based rituals in their farewell ceremonies.


General Characteristics of Asian Funerals

Asian funerals are steeped in cultural and spiritual symbolism, shaped by centuries-old traditions. Though practices may vary by region and religion, many Asian funeral customs share common themes: respect for elders, rituals for ensuring peace in the afterlife, and a deep sense of family and community connection. These characteristics create solemn and significant memorial services.


Extended Visitation

A deep reverence for elders is paramount in Asian culture and an important part of Asian funerals. It’s common for Asian families to honor their loved ones with three full days of visitation before the funeral. During this time, they prefer not to move their loved ones. 


An Open Casket

In many Asian cultures, an open casket is considered a sign of respect. Seeing a loved one before cremation or burial offers mourners a sense of closure. It is seen as an opportunity for family and friends to show their care by ensuring the deceased is presented with dignity and grace, reflecting the values of their parents and elders' reverence for ancestors. An open casket also allows family and friends to pay their final respects to their loved one in a personal and direct way.


What’s more, an open casket symbolizes transparency between the living and the dead, helping ensure a peaceful transition to the afterlife.



Preferred Colors

In many Asian cultures, the preferred colors for funerals often symbolize mourning, respect and the transition between life and death. The colors for dress and flowers vary by region and religious tradition.

There are, however, a few colors to note:

  • White: In East Asian countries, such as China, Japan and Korea, white is the primary color of mourning. It represents purity, peace, and the natural cycle of life.
  • Yellow or gold: In Buddhist traditions, particularly in Southeast Asia, yellow or gold may be used to symbolize spiritual purity and the path to enlightenment in the afterlife.
  • Blue: In certain regions, blue may be worn as a sign of respect and mourning, particularly in rural or traditional settings.
  • Black: In modernized or urban areas, the influences of Western funeral traditions show up in Asian funerals.
  • Red: In most Asian cultures, red is avoided for funerals. As a symbol of happiness and good fortune, it’s an inappropriate choice for mourning. One exception: If the deceased loved one was 80 or older, flowers and the clothing of friends and family may include pink or red in celebration of a long life.