In this first of a two part series we're going to discuss
Japanese Buddhist funeral customs.
What most people don't realize, even those familiar with
Buddhism, is that Japanese Buddhist funeral customs differ from
region to region. There is no one custom that encompasses all of
Buddhism. Therefore, a generic description will not be possible.
The religion of the deceased also plays a role in the burial
ceremony. Also the person's age and social status, as well as
economic situation, affect how they are buried.
Even though the services themselves are different based on the
above factors, there are some customs that are the same or
similar throughout. What follows is a brief list of the common
elements to a Buddhist funeral.
First there is the washing of the body. The body is washed at
the hospital and then the body openings are stuffed with cotton.
In ancient times the family washed the body but now that is done
by the hospital. The body is then dressed in a suit or kimono
and a cosmetic specialist will apply makeup. From there the body
is taken to the place where the wake is to be held.
Then there is choosing the arrangements for the service. The day
is chosen as well as the type of alter that is to be used. Food
that will be fed to the guests is also decided on. Gifts are
also chosen to give to those who come to the service. Of course
a casket is also chosen for the deceased to be buried in.
The body is then prepared for the service. Just prior, it is put
in dry ice at the mortuary, The next of kin then stay with the
body until it is time for the service. People from the mortuary
then come and place the body in the casket. One of the unusual
items put in the casket with the deceased is money to pay for
the toll across the River of the 3 Hells. This is of course
symbolic. Also, any items that the deceased was fond of during
life are put in the casket. The body is then placed in front of
the main altar if the ceremony is to take place at the mortuary
hall. If the wake is to take place at home then the body is
placed in front of the family altar.
The next step is to set the home up so that friends of the
family can pay their respects. A table is usually set up at the
entrance of the home or hall. A few people are usually stationed
to greet the people who come to pay their respects. Each person
signs his or her name in the registry book. The guests then
present their condolence money, called koden. This is placed in
a special envelope that has a thin black and white ribbon
wrapped around it. The amount depends on the relationship of the
person to the deceased. The amount is written on the outside of
the envelope. Meanwhile, at the altar, incense is burned and a
cushion is placed so that guests can kneel in front of the alter
and pay their respects. The visitor then pays their respects to
the family and then goes into another room where food is served.
In our last part of this series we'll continue with the wake,
the funeral and the cremation.
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