3.5 Chinese Death Customs in Hawaii

The Chinese were among the earliest immigrants to Hawaii. Chinese cultural values, like those of native Hawaiians, emphasize the importance of family and relationships. They also retain core elements of traditional funerals and mourning. Some traditional customs from Chinese wakes and funerals persist in the current customs of Chinese in Hawaii. Review the customs described and respond to the following:

1			Describe how age influences burial customs.
2			What are the procedures for handling and placing the corpse?
3			Which customs observed during the wake are most interesting to you?
4			Why is the coffin nailed shut?
5			Give two examples of practices designed to avoid bad luck after a death.
6			Describe the period of mourning and the practices related to the return of the deceased's soul.