At
Pennsylvania Burial Company and
Baldi Funeral Home, we have spent decades serving the diverse spiritual communities of Philadelphia. Among the most profound and symbolic services we host are Buddhist funerals.
Whether you are attending a service for a Chinese, Vietnamese, or Southeast Asian family, Buddhist rituals are designed to help the deceased transition peacefully into their next life. Here is what you need to know about these ancient traditions and how they are practiced today.
The Tradition: Then vs. Now
In the Past: Historically, Buddhist funerals were weeks-long community events. In ancestral villages, the "vigil" never stopped; family members stayed with the body 24/7, chanting sutras to protect the soul from negative energy. The focus was entirely on "merit-making"—doing good deeds and prayers to ensure the deceased achieved a favorable rebirth.
Today in Philadelphia: While the spiritual core remains, modern services are more streamlined. We typically host a
one or two-day viewing and vigil at our chapels. Modern technology now allows us to play recordings of chants if a monk cannot be present for the entire vigil, and we provide comfortable spaces for families to maintain their traditional "watch" while accommodating the busy schedules of life in the city.
A Guest’s Guide: What to Expect
If you have been invited to a Buddhist service, you may be worried about doing the "right" thing. Here is a simple guide to navigating the ceremony with respect.
1. What to Wear
- The Family: You will see the immediate family wearing white (the traditional color of mourning in Buddhism) or sometimes black with white headbands.
- The Guests: As a guest, you should wear
somber, dark colors—black, dark grey, or navy blue are best.
- What to Avoid: Strictly avoid wearing
red. In many Asian cultures, red symbolizes happiness and celebration, which is considered highly disrespectful at a funeral.
2. What to Do (The Etiquette)
- The Greeting: When you enter, walk to the casket. You will likely see an altar with incense.
- The Bow: It is customary to pause at the casket and give a slight bow with your hands pressed together (in a prayer position) to show respect. You do not need to be Buddhist to perform this gesture; it is seen as a sign of high regard for the family.
- The Incense: If offered, you may take a stick of incense, light it, and place it in the burner. If you are uncomfortable with this for religious reasons, a simple silent moment of reflection is perfectly acceptable.
- The Monk: If a monk is chanting, remain quiet. When the monk enters or leaves the room, it is polite to stand.
3. What to Bring
- Condolence Offerings: In many Buddhist traditions (especially Chinese), guests bring a white envelope containing "peace money" (Huo Bao) to help the family with funeral costs.
- Flowers: White or yellow flowers (like chrysanthemums) are traditional. Again, avoid red flowers.
- What You Receive: Often, the family will give you a small white envelope containing a coin (for your journey home) and a piece of candy. You should eat the candy immediately to "take away the bitterness" of the death.
Why Choose Baldi & Pennsylvania Burial Co.?
Buddhist funerals require specific logistics that many standard funeral homes cannot accommodate. We are proud to offer:
- Incense-Friendly Chapels: Specialized ventilation to allow for traditional incense and candle rituals.
- Altar Setup: We provide the space and stands necessary for elaborate fruit, food, and photo offerings.
- Community Connections: We work closely with local Philadelphia pagodas and monks to ensure the timing of the chants and the final "send-off" is perfect.
Our goal is to create a bridge between the ancient rites of your ancestors and the needs of your family today.
Pennsylvania Burial Company & Baldi Funeral Home
Compassionately serving the Buddhist community of Philadelphia.
Contact us for pre-planning or immediate needs: (215) 334-1717
Pennsylvania Burial Company/Baldi Funeral Home & Cremation Services
1327-31 South Broad Street
Philadelphia, PA 19147
215-334-1717
Quick Tips for Guests:
- Do: Wear dark, muted colors.
- Don't: Wear red clothing or jewelry.
- Do: Bow slightly at the casket.
- Do: Take the candy offered to you—it is a gesture of sweetness amidst sorrow.
