Final farewell

A look at the rituals and rites of different communities as they prepare to send off family members who have passed on. And even in death, there is no forgetting our loved ones as seen in the annual Qing Ming festival (Chinese All Souls’ Day) which is observed from March 27 to April 14 this year.

Do you ever wonder about the rituals that take place during a funeral? For example, why do the Hindus cover all mirrors, framed photographs or altars when there is a death in the family? Why do the Chinese look away from the coffin during a funeral procession? And why do Muslims bury their loved ones as soon as possible, usually on the same day?