Customs Guide
What happens at a Chinese Christian funeral
A Chinese Christian funeral follows the order of a Protestant service or a Catholic Mass, usually in two languages, and often keeps a few Chinese customs that express respect rather than religious belief. Here is what family and guests can expect.
How it differs from a Buddhist or Taoist funeral
There is no incense, no joss paper, and no food offered on an altar. In their place are hymns, scripture, prayer, and a message of hope from the pastor or priest. A cross stands near the casket, and the banner above it usually reads 安息主懷 (“at rest in the Lord”) or 息勞歸主 (“rest from labor, home with the Lord”) rather than a Buddhist phrase.
What stays the same is the shape of the days: an evening when relatives and friends come to pay their respects, a funeral the next morning, a procession to the cemetery or crematory, and a meal together afterwards.
The visitation
The evening before the funeral, the family receives guests in the chapel. A portrait of the deceased stands among white flowers, and the casket may be open. Many churches hold a short service that evening, often called a memorial or comfort service (安慰禮拜), with hymns, a reading, and a few words from the pastor. Guests sign the guest book, pause before the portrait or casket, and greet the family.
The funeral service or Mass
A Protestant funeral (安息禮拜 or 追思禮拜) is held in the funeral home chapel or at the family’s church. It usually includes hymns, prayer, scripture, a life story or eulogies from the family, a short sermon, and a final viewing. A Catholic funeral is a Mass (殯葬彌撒) celebrated in the parish church, with the casket brought from the funeral home that morning.
Because grandparents, parents, and children often worship in different languages, most services are bilingual: hymns sung in Chinese and English together, readings in both, and an interpreter beside the pastor. The printed program normally carries both languages.
Chinese customs that are often kept
Many Chinese Christian families keep customs they regard as respect for an elder rather than worship. Common ones are a bow before the portrait, white and yellow chrysanthemums, the family seated and walking in order of seniority, the eldest son or daughter carrying the portrait in the procession, and a white envelope for guests. Others set these aside. Churches differ, so the family usually asks the pastor, and we follow what the family and pastor decide.
What guests do
Wear dark, plain clothing. Sign the guest book and hand in a white envelope if you have brought one. At the front, stand before the portrait or casket for a moment; a bow or a silent prayer are both appropriate, and no one is asked to offer incense. During the service, stand and sit with the congregation and join the hymns if you wish. You do not need to be Christian to attend, and guests who are not Catholic simply remain seated during communion.
At the cemetery and afterwards
At the grave or crematory the pastor or priest leads a short committal: a reading, a prayer, and often a final hymn. Family members may place a flower on the casket. Christian families do not usually observe the seventh-day rites; instead, many hold a memorial service at church, visit the grave on anniversaries and at Easter, and some still visit at Qingming as a family custom.
How we help
We coordinate with your church and clergy, set up the chapel with a cross and the banner your family chooses, and guide guests on the day. See our Christian funeral services.
Last reviewed October 2026 by Wah On Funeral Home.
Frequently asked questions
Do Chinese Christians bow at a funeral?
Many do. A bow before the portrait is widely understood as respect for the person, not worship. Some churches prefer a moment of silence instead, so families usually follow their pastor’s guidance.
Is incense used at a Chinese Christian funeral?
Generally not. Incense, joss paper, and food offerings are not part of a Christian service. Flowers, hymns, and prayer take their place.
What do you write on flowers for a Christian family?
Common phrases are 安息主懷 (at rest in the Lord), 主懷安息, or in English “In loving memory.” Add the name of the deceased and the sender.
Whatever your family’s traditions, we will help you honor them
And we will help your guests understand them. If you have a question about any custom, or about how to blend traditions across generations and faiths, call us. We are glad to explain.