Fequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
At Eternal Peace Funeral Services, we understand that planning a funeral can be an emotional and unfamiliar experience. This FAQ section guides you through the most common questions we receive, from ceremony arrangements and religious customs to pricing and documentation. If you don’t find the answers you’re looking for, our team is always just a message away to support you with care and clarity.
Buddhist Funerals
Buddhist funerals focus on compassion, peaceful transition, and merit-making for the departed soul. Here, we address frequently asked questions about Buddhist funeral rites, chanting, vegetarian offerings, and the importance of mindfulness and simplicity in the farewell process.
How is a Buddhist funeral different from a Taoist one ?
Buddhist funerals focus on chanting sutras, meditation, and merit-making. There’s less emphasis on joss paper or effigies.
What chanting is performed during the funeral ?
Monks often chant the Amitabha Sutra or other appropriate scriptures to guide the deceased’s spirit.
Is vegetarian food required during the wake ?
Yes, vegetarian offerings are customary out of compassion and non-harm.
Can we customize the duration of the wake ?
Yes. While 3-5 days is typical, shorter durations are also accepted based on family wishes.
Is cremation required in Buddhist funerals ?
Cremation is common and accepted, but burial is also allowed depending on preference.
Taoist Funerals
Taoist funerals are rich in symbolic rituals, rooted deeply in ancestral reverence and spiritual guidance. In this section, we answer common questions about Taoist funeral practices, altar setups, ritual customs, and how to honour your loved one in accordance with traditional beliefs.
How many days does a Taoist funeral usually last ?
Typically, 3 or 5 days depending on family preference and auspicious timing.
What rituals are performed during a Taoist funeral ?
Rituals may include chanting by Taoist priests, paper offerings, crossing the bridge, and burning of joss paper and effigies.
Is there a need for a specific alter setup ?
Yes, a Taoist funeral altar includes deities such as the Earth Deity (Tu Di Gong), ancestral tablets, incense holders, and symbolic offerings.
What should guests wear to a Taoist funeral ?
Guests usually wear dark, respectful clothing. Avoid red or bright colors.
Can women participate in all rituals ?
Traditionally, some rituals have gender-based roles, but practices vary across dialect groups and modern families.
Christian Funerals
Christian funerals are grounded in faith, hope, and the promise of eternal life. In this section, we guide you through common questions about Christian funeral services, church arrangements, scripture readings, and how to honour your loved one in alignment with Christian beliefs and traditions.
What happens during a Christian funeral ?
There’s typically a church or chapel service with hymns, Bible readings, prayers, and a eulogy, followed by burial or cremation.
Do we need a pastor to conduct the funeral ?
Yes, a pastor or church leader usually officiates the service.
Can we hold the wake at home or in a funeral parlour?
Both options are acceptable; it depends on the family's comfort and church policies.
What attire is appropriate for Christian funerals ?
Modest, dark-colored clothing is preferred. Some Christian families may wear white as a symbol of peace and resurrection.
Are there any restrictions on music or speeches ?
Music and eulogies are often included, but they should reflect Christian values and respect the tone of the service.
Catholic Funerals
Catholic funerals are grounded in faith, reverence, and the hope of eternal life with God. They mark a sacred farewell and a spiritual journey, affirming the Church’s belief that death is not the end, but the passage into everlasting life through Christ.
What is the purpose of a Catholic funeral ?
A Catholic funeral honors the life of the deceased, offers prayers for their soul, and provides comfort and hope through the promise of eternal life.
Does a Catholic funeral always include a Mass ?
While a Funeral Mass is traditional, families may also choose a Liturgy of the Word or memorial service without Eucharist if preferred.
Can non-Catholics attend or participate in a Catholic funeral ?
Yes. Catholic funerals are open to all. Non-Catholics are welcome to attend and participate respectfully, though only Catholics may receive Communion.
Is cremation allowed in the Catholic Church ?
Yes. Cremation is permitted, but the Church requests that ashes be kept in a sacred place, such as a cemetery, not scattered or kept at home.
How long does a Catholic wake or funeral typically last ?
Wakes typically last 1 to 3 days. The Funeral Mass itself usually lasts around one hour.
Freethinker Funerals
Freethinker funerals are non-religious, offering families the flexibility to craft a farewell that truly reflects the life, values, and memories of the departed. This section answers common queries on secular ceremonies, personalisation options, and planning a respectful service without religious elements.
What is a freethinker funeral ?
It is a secular ceremony without religious elements, often focusing on the life and memories of the deceased.
Who leads the ceremony ?
It can be led by a family member, a celebrant, or a friend. There's no religious figure involved.
Can we include prayers or hymns if the deceased wanted them ?
Yes. Freethinker funerals are flexible and can be customised based on the person's values and beliefs.
Is it okay to play music or show a photo montage ?
Definitely. Many families incorporate music, videos, or speeches to honour the life lived.
Is embalming or cremation necessary ?
Not necessarily; it depends on legal requirements and family preference.
Feeling uncertain? Talk to us.
We're here to guide you with care and understanding. Whether you're exploring options or have specific questions, feel free to chat with us — our team is ready to help you make the right choice for your loved one.