Funeral Services in Singapore for Different Religions

Funerals are deeply personal and emotional ceremonies. Cultures from all around the world share a deep respect for life and the people who lived them, so it’s only fair that the passing of a loved one is an occasion that’s noted universally. Casket services in Singapore exist in one form or another across societies, tribes, groups, and families.

But the interesting thing about funerals is that, though the concept of death may be universal, the ways in which we pay our respects to the dead vary greatly. Depending on nationality, race, or even individual, the funeral rites that are done for the recently deceased may be different to what one may be accustomed to. By far one of the biggest determinants for funeral rites is religion—something you’ve probably thought of first when you’re thinking about funeral services in Singapore.

Singapore is a melting pot of religious backgrounds. The biggest religious group are the Buddhists (at roughly 33%), Christians (18%), and Muslims (14%). Let’s take a look at some of the groups and how they conduct their funerals.

1. Christianity

Christians can be broken down into several different denominations. Depending on the denomination, their funerals can vary. The most common parts of Christian funeral services are the prayer rites and eulogy. Christians believe in life after death, so their funeral rituals may include prayers to help the deceased along in the afterlife.

2. Islam

Prayers are mainly said silently. The body and all attendants face in the direction of Mecca. A funeral director in Singapore may help with the burial of the body and any services they may need.

3. Buddhism

Buddhist funeral services usually include an altar for the deceased. The body is usually cremated. Buddhists believe in reincarnation and the cycle of life, so they will not place emphasis on the body of the deceased. They believe it is merely a vessel that contains the soul.

4. Catholics

As one of the largest denominations, Catholic funeral services are some of the most traditional, adhering to rituals and masses.

5. Freethinkers

Also known as the religious ‘nones’, they are people who don’t identify with any religion. As a result, their funeral rites are some of the most diverse. You won’t know what to expect from a freethinker or agnostic funeral ritual. It can be solely the discretion of the freethinker’s family.

Want to give your dearly departed the sendoff they deserve? Contact Ang Chin Moh Funeral Directors, a funeral parlour, for assistance in arranging 24 hour funeral service for varying religions.