Every family is different
Tradition understood, choice respected.
There is no single way to arrange a traditional Chinese funeral. Customs can vary between families and may be influenced by ancestry, regional heritage, religious beliefs and traditions carried through generations.
Some families wish to follow every customary detail, while others prefer a simpler ceremony or a thoughtful combination of Chinese and Western practices. We will listen carefully, explain the available choices and never assume which traditions your family wishes to observe.
Hinzen’s ministers can help identify the ceremonies, timings and customary items that may be appropriate. Everlay then brings these requirements into the complete funeral arrangements, ensuring that the practical and spiritual elements work together from the beginning.
- Family heritage and place of origin
- Taoist, Buddhist or other religious beliefs
- Traditions observed by previous generations
- The wishes of the person being remembered
- A complete traditional funeral or a simpler, adapted arrangement
Preparing the funeral
Every detail carefully considered.
Preparations may begin with understanding the family’s beliefs, selecting an appropriate date and deciding which ceremonies and traditions should be observed. Arrangements can include clothing for your loved one, the coffin, a family altar or memorial area, incense, food offerings, flowers, photographs and ceremonial paper offerings.
Colours, clothing and the positioning of particular items may carry symbolic meaning. Hinzen’s ministers will explain what each item represents and what may be suitable for your family.
Everlay will coordinate these traditional requirements alongside the venue, coffin, transport, burial or cremation and all other practical funeral arrangements.
- Selecting an appropriate funeral date
- Clothing and preparing your loved one
- A family altar, portrait or memorial area
- Incense, candles and food offerings
- Flowers and ceremonial paper offerings
- Mourning clothing for close family members
- The order and timing of each ceremony
Religious ceremonies
Taoist and Buddhist ceremonies.
Traditional Chinese funerals may include Taoist, Buddhist or combined religious ceremonies. These can involve chanting, scripture, prayers, offerings, purification rites and guidance for your loved one’s spiritual journey.
The appropriate ceremony will depend on your family’s beliefs, traditions and wishes. Some ceremonies last a few hours, while more extensive observances may continue over one or two days before the funeral procession.
Hinzen’s ministers will explain the meaning, duration and requirements of each ceremony. Everlay will coordinate it with the venue, timings, transport and burial or cremation.
- Taoist funeral ceremonies
- Buddhist chanting and blessings
- Combined Taoist and Buddhist rites
- Coffin-closing and purification ceremonies
- Food, incense and ceremonial offerings
- One-day or extended traditional ceremonies
- Bespoke arrangements reflecting family traditions
The final journey
Procession and committal.
The funeral procession allows the family to accompany their loved one on the final journey and may include prayers, music, ceremonial items and customs guided by the ministers.
Everlay will coordinate the hearse, family vehicles, timings, route, bearers and venue requirements, while Hinzen’s ministers guide the ceremonial elements.
Whether the family chooses burial or cremation, we will ensure that the practical arrangements and traditional rites are carefully brought together.
- Closing and securing the coffin
- A final farewell before departure
- Prayers or rites during the procession
- Hearse and family transport
- Arrival at the cemetery or crematorium
- Burial, cremation or committal rites
- Final cleansing or concluding traditions
After the funeral
Mourning and remembrance.
For some families, traditional observances continue after the funeral. These customs may mark particular days in the mourning period, honour ancestors and provide further opportunities for remembrance, prayer or offerings.
The length and form of mourning can vary according to family tradition, faith and regional heritage. Hinzen’s ministers can explain each tradition and advise what may be appropriate. There is no expectation that every family must follow every custom.
- Memorial prayers and offerings
- Observances on significant days after the funeral
- Respecting a defined mourning period
- Wearing mourning clothing or symbolic items
- Temporarily avoiding celebrations
- Family gatherings to remember the deceased
- Further Taoist or Buddhist ceremonies
One coordinated team
Everything brought together.
Everlay and Hinzen work together so families do not have to coordinate separate organisations or repeatedly explain their traditions.
Everlay manages the practical funeral arrangements, including bringing your loved one into our care, the coffin, venue, transport, funeral staff, burial or cremation and the funeral-day schedule.
Hinzen’s ministers provide guidance on Chinese traditions, prepare and conduct the religious ceremonies and explain the meaning of each rite. Everything is coordinated through one team from the first conversation onward.
UK and European support
We will do our best to help.
Everlay will always do its best to advise, assist and provide funeral services for families throughout the UK and Europe. The arrangements available will depend on the family’s location, local requirements, transport needs and where the funeral, burial or cremation will take place.
Our local service area includes London, South East London and Kent. Elsewhere, we can advise on the options and coordinate with crematoria, cemeteries, places of worship, community venues and trusted local service providers where required.
Where longer-distance transport, repatriation, accommodation, documentation or additional ceremonial arrangements are needed, we will explain the process and provide a clear written quotation before anything is confirmed.
Frequently asked questions
Clear answers,
without assumptions.
Do we need to understand all the traditions before contacting you?+
No. We will begin by listening, and Hinzen’s ministers will explain the available traditions and their meaning.
Can we combine Chinese and Western funeral traditions?+
Yes. We can bring Chinese religious or family traditions together with a Western-style service.
Can you arrange both Taoist and Buddhist ceremonies?+
Yes. Hinzen’s ministers can provide Taoist, Buddhist or combined ceremonies according to the family’s beliefs, heritage and wishes.
Can we choose burial or cremation?+
Yes. Traditional Chinese funeral arrangements can be coordinated with either burial or cremation.
Do we have to follow every traditional custom?+
No. Every family can decide which traditions feel meaningful and appropriate.
Can you help families outside London?+
Yes. Everlay will do its best to advise, assist and provide services throughout the UK and Europe, subject to location and local requirements.
When you are ready
Begin with a
calm conversation.
Tell us about your family, the traditions you wish to observe and where you would like the funeral to take place. Everlay and Hinzen will explain the available options and carefully coordinate the practical and ceremonial arrangements.
For requests outside the London region, additional travel and accommodation costs may apply. Please contact us for a tailored quotation.
Speak to the Everlay team →