According to Buddhist beliefs, death is an escape from one life and the beginning of a new life. Thus, white encompasses this hope for the departed to have been pure in heart, and to move on to their next life in peace.
At a traditional Buddhist funeral ceremony, the family will usually wear white or use white cloth to cover themselves. Buddhist funeral dress code often prescribes that women refrain from wearing jewellery, and that all mourners stay away from wearing red. This is because red is the Buddhist colour for joy.
At a traditional Buddhist funeral, the family wears white or cover themselves using a white cloth. Mourners should wear simple, black or dark clothing. Wearing expensive or flashy clothing/jewellery is seen as a display of wealth and not in keeping with Buddhist funeral etiquette.
Buddhists wear white to funerals as a symbol of mourning, and respect to the deceased person. Believing that the first three days should be a period of positivity, so that the deceased can transition from life to death peacefully, Buddhists prefer to mourn in white.
Bright colors are never appropriate, and neither is a display of wealth in the choice of clothing. In Buddhism, red is the color of joy, so it is not an appropriate color to wear to a Buddhist funeral or as a color for flowers, fruit, incense, or food that you give to the mourning family.
Depending on the traditions and customs observed by the individual the most traditional items include sending sympathy flowers, baked goods and desserts, fruit, dried fruit, & nuts, and assorted chocolates.
May he come to eternal rest from samsara and reach nirvana. Share the good things you know about the person who passed away. Give him a blessing by wishing for his eternal rest from the death and life cycle. Whether you knew the person well or not, condolences such as these should be well received.
A dark suit is most appropriate for a funeral, worn with a tie. If you don't have a black tie, a plain or muted-patterned tie in a dark colour is acceptable these days. It's tradition to wear a white shirt at a funeral, but a plain, unpatterned buttoned shirt in a muted colour is okay.
White as a Mourning Color
White is the color of mourning in Ethiopia. It is also the mourning color in Buddhism as practiced in India, Cambodia, and areas of Japan. However, white has different meanings as a mourning color in China and India. Both countries and their cultures use white for a color of 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.
W H I T E signifies purity and is the colour of knowledge. and longevity. The primordial Buddha 'Vairocana' is depicted. in white. The Buddha Amitabha is shown in R E D, which symbolizes.
The principle colors involved in Buddhism are Blue, Black, White, Red, Green, and Yellow, and each — except for Black — are aligned to a specific Buddha. Associated with the Akshobhya Buddha and the healer 'Blue Buddha,' Blue represents tranquility, ascension, the infitine, purity, and healing.
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. As red is a colour of celebration in the Chinese culture, it is highly offensive to wear red at a Chinese funeral.
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.
For centuries, white was worn in mourning by most. This is because white was the most affordable fabric color, and one most people already had. Even when black didn become the color of mourning in the west, children still wore white to funerals as a sign of innocence and purity.
White is meant to signify purity and rebirth and is a popular colour of mourning for many East Asia countries. It also has strong connections to Europe as well. Starting in France in the 16th century, white was worn by bereaved children and unmarried women.
Catholic Funeral Mass Etiquette and Dress Code
Mourners are usually encouraged to wear dark, muted colors. Black is traditional but any dark color is usually considered appropriate.
What you wear to an Islamic funeral is also very important. White is the color of humility and is often worn by the closest family members. Darker colors like grey, brown or black are also common. However, you should avoid bright colors or flashy jewelry.
All others attending a funeral wear bright colors, even white, to signify that their relationship to the deceased was not as strong as close family members. Red is not worn because it is the color of happiness and worn at weddings.
Black is still the safest color for funeral attire, but you don't have to wear solid black. A black suit with a white shirt is acceptable or a dress that's mostly black but has a subtle color in the pattern is also fine to wear.
What do women wear to a funeral? A skirt or dress – these should be knee-length and not flashy or revealing, normally with tights. A pair of smart trousers – jeans and other casual trousers are not appropriate for a funeral.
While black is still the most popular choice of clothing for attending a funeral in most settings, wearing white can be done without fear of offending. Sometimes, the deceased's family asks their guests to wear a particular color to honor their loved ones.
Attending a Buddhist funeral
While white is the color of grieving for the family, friends often wear black. Friends may visit the grieving family's home after the funeral, but not before. In the Buddhist tradition, flowers or donations may be sent to the family, but gifts of food are considered inappropriate.
Buddhist funeral rites vary, but in general, there is a funeral service with an altar to the deceased person. Prayers and meditation may take place, and the body is cremated after the service. Sometimes the body is cremated after a wake, so the funeral is a cremation service.
Buddhists don't reject grief as “bad” or “wrong.” You're not a “bad Buddhist” if you grieve when someone dies. Buddhism simply holds that the experience of grief can be one of spiritual awakening if you grieve with intention and knowledge. » MORE: Honor your loved one.