Guests at a Chinese funeral wear somber colors like black. Bright and colorful clothing, especially red, must be avoided as these colors are associated with happiness. White is acceptable and, if the deceased was 80 or above, white with pink or red is acceptable as the event is cause for celebration.
If the deceased was less than 80 years old when he or she passed, stick with traditional mourning colors like navy, black, or white. However, if the deceased was over the age of 80, the color pink may also be worn. Pink is a color that symbolizes joy and happiness in Chinese culture.
Chinese funerals are sombre and serious events. One is expected to pay respects to the deceased so wearing neutral and subdued colours are recommended during the mourning period. Shades of blue, black, white or any other dull colours are acceptable.
Muted colours like white, black, dark green, dark blue, or grey are appropriate colours of clothing attire in a Chinese funeral.
Wearing bright colours, like yellow or red which signify happiness, is off-limits for mourning family members for up to three years.
Guests at a Chinese funeral wear somber colors like black. Bright and colorful clothing, especially red, must be avoided as these colors are associated with happiness. White is acceptable and, if the deceased was 80 or above, white with pink or red is acceptable as the event is cause for celebration.
What is appropriate clothing for a funeral? Traditionally, funeral etiquette suggests men and women wear black clothing that's conservative and respectful. Black or dark colours are most common, but some cultures expect mourners to wear a less traditional funeral colour.
As you probably already know, it's traditional to wear black to a Western funeral or cremation service. Other dark colors like maroon, dark green, or navy are all considered suitable for funeral clothes.
Chinese funeral customs
The most popular choices are lilies and chrysanthemums, particularly in white, as these are traditionally associated with death and grief. Sending white roses would also be considered appropriate.
Chinese funeral guests can be expected to give the grieving family money, 奠儀 (diàn yí), at the funeral or one day prior. The traditional gift is an odd dollar amount, starting at $101, in a white envelope. It may be handed to a family member or put into a donation box.
Avoid dressing in casual clothing, such as athletic wear, tank tops, or shorts. Skip the flip-flops, tennis shoes, sneakers, or boat shoes. Remove the neon necktie, purse, or accessory. Shy away from wearing jeans, even black ones, because they are considered too casual for a funeral.
Small sterling silver, gold, or jeweled pieces are also usually a fine choice if they are not distracting. Religious jewelry, such as a simple cross, would also be appropriate. But, it's best to avoid any jewelry that might swing, clank together, or cause a disturbance to others.
It is also taboo to wear bright colours such as red or yellow during the mourning period. Immediate family members wear a coarse burlap overcoat, hat and slippers to show that the mourners' care for appearances and personal comfort have given way to grief.
Funeral guests are required to light incense for the deceased and bow as a sign of respect to the family. There will also be a donation box since money is always offered as a sign of respect to the family of the deceased. This money will also help the family defray the costs of the funeral.
Wakes and funerals are generally sombre affairs. While chatting with the bereaved family or other attendees is acceptable, there shouldn't be loud laughter or chatter, as this could be seen as disrespectful to the family. In Buddhist belief, death is taken with a calm acceptance rather than loud or devastated mourning.
Wearing dark grey or deep blue is just as appropriate as black, while brown and lighter greys are suitable for the vast majority of funeral services. However, unless specifically requested by the deceased or their family, you should avoid any bright colors such as yellows, oranges, pinks, and reds.
Dark or muted dresses are traditional and don't take attention away from the service. Shoulders should be covered in most cases. Skirts and dresses should reach the knee. Suits are also considered respectful and appropriate.
Pink: admiration, appreciation, elegance, grace, love (often used at the funerals of women or children)
Purple – Thailand and South America
In Brazil, Catholics wear black and purple as joint colours for grief and associate purple so strongly with mourning that it can be deemed unlucky to wear it at other occasions. In Thailand, purple is a mourning colour for widows only and all other guests wear black.
Dressing appropriately for funerals around the world
In the West, showing respect at a funeral typically requires conservative attire in black or dark colors. However, white is the color of mourning in China, and for Sikh, Hindu, and some Muslim services.
If you can't wear black, some staple colors to wear at a funeral are dark and muted tones such as navy blue, charcoal, deep greys, maroons, deep purple, etc.
Refrain from trimming your nails or hair, as these have been given by one's parents. During the initial days of their passing, such acts must be avoided.
A Chinese funeral generally lasts about 7 days. The mourning period can last a lot longer, sometimes up to 100 days after which there can be a final ceremony.
Some religions and traditions have set attire for the family members, but if you are just a visitor to the funeral, colours like black, white, or muted shades are acceptable.