Last month, I had the opportunity to cover a traditional Taoist Funeral in Singapore.
It was a humbling and eye-opening experience to be able to document the ceremony as I hardly get to witness such elaborate funerals.
From the outfits, crossing the ‘bridge‘ to the burning of the paper house, this is something you do not see every day and perhaps even a dying tradition given that most are opting for a simpler funeral.
I would like a tequila bar and a nice band at my funeral.
I am really intrigued that there is a meaning to every action and I wish I had more time and could learn more about what was going on and the meaning of the songs they were singing.
Although, I have to admit that I was rather terrified of the prospect of offending anyone – spirits included as I feel that this is a rather sensitive subject and I am blessed to bear witness with my Leica.
My images have not scratched the surface of the rich Taoist funeral ritual but rather gives you a glimpse of what goes on; I hope you enjoy them nonetheless.
The Taoist Funeral
Well wishes
Folding paper ‘money’ that will be burned later.
The traditional outfit for the women of the immediate family.
Moving across
Lighting an incense before reading out the names on the boxes
Bringing the offerings to the burn site
Calling upon the spirit to collect his offering
The huge fire
Watching the flames for the last time
The funeral tent.
Categories: Photo Essay, Leica, Singapore
Thanks for sharing, I have learnt something today
Saba
Thank you Saba, I’m glad you enjoyed it!
A beautiful ceremony and wonderful photographs to go with it.
Thank you; glad you liked the images(:
This post reminded me of my uncle’s funeral, which was the first funeral I went many years ago.
It is pretty incredible to witness such a ritual and I’ve only seen it twice in my life!
Wow, I had no idea!
Yes, it is a very elaborate custom!
Thank you so much for visiting my blog!
Very interesting to get a glimpse into the taoist funeral traditions.Thanks!
Thank you!
Love the photography on your blog too; gave you a follow(:
What amazing images!
Thank you so much! These kind of funerals are really rare these days.
Very interesting.
This is my first time getting a look at Chinese funeral traditions. Until now, I had only heard of bits and pieces.
Thank you for this.
What a fascinating post. You tell the story very well through your pictures and the B&W works well. That is quite a ceremony. James
luckily you didn’t manage to shoot any “good bro” inside your photos.
otherwise you will be terrified !
Oh god. I actually thought I saw ‘something’ in one of my image but it turns out I was just being paranoid.
This post is really tastefully done. Generally photography during funeral feels disrespectful but you’ve done it in a way that preserves a memory of saying goodbye. It reminds me of my grandfather’s funeral (we also had a traditional funeral)