Everything in one place
Arranged together,
from the beginning.
Your family will not need to arrange separate funeral directors, ministers and ceremonial providers. From the first conversation through to the funeral and the ceremonies that follow, each part will be carefully planned together.
Whether your family has a clear understanding of the traditions or needs guidance at every stage, we will listen, explain each option and create arrangements that feel meaningful, respectful and right for your family.
Read our complete guide to traditional Chinese funerals →
Specialist Chinese funeral guides
Explore clear guidance about ceremonies, choices, costs and traditions.
Further guidance from Hinzen
Hinzen’s experienced ministers guide and conduct the religious elements of Everlay’s Chinese funeral arrangements. Hinzen’s website also provides further information and tutorials about Chinese funeral traditions, ceremonies and their meaning.
Explore Chinese traditions, ceremony guidance and tutorials on Hinzen ↗Understanding your family’s traditions
Nothing will
be assumed.
Chinese funeral customs are not the same for every family. Traditions may vary according to religious beliefs, family heritage, regional background and practices passed down through generations.
During the first conversation, we will ask about
- Your loved one’s faith and personal beliefs
- Your family’s place of origin and regional traditions
- Customs your family has followed previously
- Any wishes expressed before the passing
- Whether senior family members or elders should be consulted
- The number of family members expected to take part
- Important dates, timings or ceremonial requirements
- Mourning clothing, offerings or ritual items
Some families know exactly which ceremonies they wish to observe. Others may recognise certain traditions but be unsure how they fit together. Hinzen’s ministers will explain the meaning and purpose of each option, helping your family make informed choices without pressure.
The arrangements will be shaped around the traditions your family wishes to honour.
Choosing the ceremony
Taoist and Buddhist funeral ceremonies,
explained with care.
You do not need to choose a ceremony by its name or understand every rite before speaking with us. Hinzen’s ministers will explain the available options and recommend an appropriate ceremony after learning about your family’s beliefs and wishes.
Simple Taoist teachings
封棺押煞Approximately 2–3 hours, with two ministers, followed by the funeral procession
A focused traditional ceremony that includes the submission of mourning, welcoming your loved one’s spirit, a food offering, cleansing rites, the closing of the coffin and the burial or committal.
Simple Buddhist teachings
誦經超度Approximately 2–3 hours, with one minister, followed by the funeral procession
A Buddhist ceremony that includes welcoming your loved one’s spirit, scripture chanting and blessings, the closing of the coffin and the burial or committal.
Intermediate ceremony
經齋Approximately 6–8 hours, with three to four ministers, followed by the funeral procession the next day
A more detailed ceremony with formal invitations to Buddha and the Gods, remembrance of ancestors, welcoming the spirit, scripture, offerings, ceremonial notifications and cleansing rites.
Standard ceremony
西方大願經懴齋一宵Approximately 12–15 hours, with five to seven ministers, followed by the funeral procession the next day
A broader programme of Taoist and Buddhist rites, including purification, opening the spiritual path, forgiveness rites, scripture, offerings and guidance for your loved one’s journey.
Semi-complex ceremony
西方冥陽經懺齋一日一宵Approximately 16–17 hours, with six to eight ministers, followed by the funeral procession
A comprehensive extended ceremony bringing together formal invitations and notifications, purification, scripture, offerings, forgiveness rites and guidance through the spiritual journey.
Complex ceremony
西方冥陽水陸經懺齋一日二宵Approximately 20–25 hours across two ceremonial days, with six to eight ministers, followed by the funeral day
An extensive programme of Taoist and Buddhist rites held across two days, followed by the funeral procession, closing of the coffin, burial or committal and final cleansing rites.
Formalities and details
Every practical detail,
carefully coordinated.
Alongside the religious and ceremonial traditions, we will coordinate the practical details required for the funeral. Keeping everything within one experienced team helps each part of the arrangements work together smoothly.
- Registering the passing and obtaining the necessary documents
- Choosing between burial and cremation
- Selecting the coffin, funeral vehicles and floral tributes
- Arranging the funeral venue, cemetery or crematorium
- Preparing notices, photographs, music and orders of service
- Coordinating ministers, family members and other participants
- Planning the funeral procession and ceremonial timings
- Arranging traditional clothing, offerings and ritual items
- Discussing family roles and the order of the ceremonies
- Considering suitable dates and times where traditions require them
- Organising refreshments, memorial gatherings or additional ceremonies
- Explaining the costs clearly before arrangements are confirmed
Some details may depend on your family’s traditions, the chosen ceremony and the requirements of the cemetery or crematorium. We will explain what is needed, keep everyone informed and make sure nothing important is overlooked.
Mourning customs
A personal period
of respect.
Some families choose to observe traditional customs during the mourning period as a way of showing respect for their loved one. The customs followed, and the length of the mourning period, will vary according to the family’s beliefs and traditions.
- Refraining from cutting or styling the hair, shaving or placing importance on personal appearance until after the funeral
- Avoiding weddings, birthdays and other celebrations during the mourning period
- Postponing celebrations within the immediate family where appropriate
- Avoiding visits to other people’s homes until the funeral has taken place
- Wearing particular colours or traditional mourning clothing
- Following guidance from senior family members or ministers about other activities
These traditions reflect a period of grief, respect and withdrawal from celebration. Some customs are also connected with traditional beliefs about fortune and protecting other households during mourning.
There is no expectation that every family will observe every custom. Hinzen’s ministers can explain their meaning and help your family decide which traditions feel appropriate.
What happens next
Begin with a
calm conversation.
You do not need to know which ceremonies or arrangements your family requires before contacting us. We will begin by listening and learning about your loved one, your family’s traditions and any wishes you would like us to honour.
- Explain the available funeral and ceremony options
- Help you choose arrangements that reflect your family’s beliefs
- Coordinate Everlay’s funeral directors and Hinzen’s ministers
- Prepare a clear, itemised quotation
- Confirm the arrangements before anything proceeds
- Remain your point of contact throughout the entire journey
Whether you know which traditions your family wishes to follow or need guidance from the beginning, Everlay and Hinzen are here to help.
Email our specialist team →