The Ososhiki is the actual Japanese funeral service, and contains several ceremonies. It starts one day after the Otsuya with a Sougi or Soshiki, which is the funeral ceremony itself. It follows a similar procedure to the Otsuya, with a priest chanting a sutra and the bereaved burning incense.
What do Japanese do when someone dies?
The majority of funerals (葬儀, sōgi or 葬式, sōshiki) in Japan include a wake, the cremation of the deceased, a burial in a family grave, and a periodic memorial service. According to 2007 statistics, 99.81% of deceased Japanese are cremated.
How do the Japanese honor their dead at home?
On the first day of Obon, Japanese families will usually clean their houses and prepare food offerings for their past relatives, called ozen (お 膳 ぜん ). The main offerings are fruit, rice, green tea, sake and some special lotus shaped sweets.
What do you do when a family member dies in Japan?
The family of the deceased will be in a period of mourning for 49 days after the funeral. Once a week they will visit the grave to place fresh flowers and to burn incense. On the 3rd, 7th and 49th days they will have a short memorial service at the site, led by the Shinto priest.
What is the color of mourning in Japan?
Black in Japanese Culture
Another important traditional Japanese color is black. Black is commonly associated with formality (or formal events), elegance, and mourning.
How do you offer condolences in Japan?
If someone actually died, the standard ご愁傷様です (goshuushousama desu) is equivalent to, “I am sorry for your loss.” If something unfortunate happened to someone, but no one is dead, I generally go with お気の毒です (okino doku desu).
Do Japanese give flowers when someone dies?
Flowers are not generally a significant element in Japanese funeral culture. If you do choose to send them, however, you should follow proper etiquette. Lilys and chrysanthemums in yellow and white are appropriate choices. In Japanese culture “koden” is a more appropriate sympathy expression than flowers.
Why do Japanese mourn for 49 days?
In many Buddhist traditions, 49 days is the total mourning period, with prayers conducted every 7 days, across 7 weeks. These Buddhists believe that rebirth takes place within 49 days after death. So these prayers are conducted to facilitate this journey of the deceased into the afterlife.
What do Japanese people leave at graves?
After cleaning the grave, family members offer foods and fruits that the deceased enjoyed when they were alive. Flowers are also always placed at the grave. Chrysanthemum flowers are very common, but any flower the deceased liked may also be placed.
What is the protocol after someone dies?
Immediately
- Get a legal pronouncement of death.
- Arrange for transportation of the body.
- Notify the person’s doctor or the county coroner.
- Notify close family and friends.
- Handle care of dependents and pets.
- Call the person’s employer, if he or she was working.
Do Japanese wear white to funerals?
This is the actual funeral, and the atmosphere and dress are more formal. Black is the color to wear: a suit with white shirt and black, four-in-hand tie for men, a dress or kimono for women.
What is the first thing to do when a family member dies?
Immediate Steps to Take When a Loved One Dies
- Getting a legal pronouncement of death.
- Arranging for the body to be transported.
- Making arrangements for the care of dependents and pets.
- Contacting others including:
- Making final arrangements.
- Getting copies of the death certificate.
What flower represents life and death in Japan?
Flowers such as the sakura and chrysanthemum are national symbols of Japan.
15. White Chrysanthemum (Shiragiku, 白菊)
| Japanese meaning: | truth or grief (the most common flower for funerals) |
|---|---|
| Western meaning: | death and grief |
Is it OK to wear red in Japan?
It is believed that red can protect people from evil and disaster. However, do not buy anything red to your friends as a house warming gift. Japanese think red associate fire, which might bring bad luck such as fire accidents to the new house.
What colors should you not wear to a funeral?
Wearing dark grey or deep blue is just as appropriate as black, while brown and lighter greys are suitable for the vast majority of funeral services. However, unless specifically requested by the deceased or their family, you should avoid any bright colors such as yellows, oranges, pinks, and reds.
How many days after death is a funeral in Japan?
seven days
Strict Buddhist tradition dictates that a funeral ceremony should be held every seven days after death until the forty-ninth day. However, in today’s modern society, it isn’t always practical to take this length of time off work. Therefore, it is more common that only one or two ceremonies will be held.
What is the best condolence message?
My sincerest condolences for you at this time. You have my deepest sympathy and unwavering support. Wishing you peace, comfort, courage, and lots of love at this time of sorrow. My heart goes out to you at this difficult time.
What is condolence money called?
Condolence Money (Bai Jin) at Buddhist Funerals
Monetary gifts also known as ‘pek kim’ or ‘bai jin’, is a common tradition in not only Buddhist funerals but also in most chinese funerals. Usually, the money is kept inside a white envelope.
Is it rude to return koden?
“Koden” gift is meant to cover the funeral/flowers and also a way to express condolences. So… I would avoid “returning” it. Some thank-you card with some small gift from where you are would be nice and appreciated (the gift can be sent now or handed in person later maybe).
Why do Japanese wear black to funerals?
Black Means Death in Japan, Avoid Black Clothes
In Japan, the color white is attributed to happiness and good times. Death is a time of mourning and so people must dress in the color of depression, black. Men usually wear a black suit with a black tie (dress shirt is usually white).
Why is 4 The number of death in Japan?
Unlucky numbers
Traditionally, 4 is unlucky because it is sometimes pronounced shi, which is the word for death. Sometimes levels or rooms with 4 don’t exist in hospitals or hotels.