The importance of tradition

MANILA, Philippines - In Asia, more than in any other continent in the world, tradition is very important and always strictly followed. This is true in many aspects of life and death, particularly those concerning interment and burial.

For Filipino Catholics, the body of the deceased should ideally be placed so that the feet face the altar. We also usually place some money in the hands of the deceased to serve as his or her “fare” in the journey to eternal life. Some families let the deceased hold on to the money until the last mourning day. Before the casket is sealed and the deceased is buried, the family takes the money, which symbolizes the loved one leaving something for the family even after death.

The Chinese are no different from other Asians in following traditions when it comes to interment and burial.

“Burial and interment for the Chinese revolve around family traditions,” explains Sammy Dy, who is assistant to the president and a consultant/adviser on corporate matters pertinent to marketing and future planning of Sanctuarium.

Sanctuarium, the flagship project of The Everliving Co. Inc., is the most complete, technologically-advanced, perpetually maintained and environment-friendly ecumenical memorial complex in Asia.

Dy says that the focus of Chinese traditions on burial and interment is filial piety, especially if the person who died is the head of the family.

“All the family members are expected to show their respect and love through rituals and show their friends, relatives and the community how the deceased is valued and treasured in life as in death,” Dy says.

The Buddhist/Taoist believe that the spirit of the dead travels to a new dimension after death, thus the need to live comfortably there as well. This, Dy explains, led to the creation of rituals involving possessions that represent the material needs and comforts for the spirit to live in the next dimension.

The basic tradition in the Chinese memorial practice involves the name tablet posted on the front door frame of the vigil chapel.

“By looking at it, you can determine whether the deceased is survived by a spouse and whether it is the patriarch or the matriarch. It also lists the birthplace in China, including the fraternal lineage,” Dy says.

Another practice includes the date of burial, which is usually determined according to the Chinese lunar calendar. The belief is that the date determines the fortune and blessings that will be bestowed on the deceased’s children.

Sanctuarium, located at 739 G. Araneta Ave. cor. Agno Extension, Barangay Tatalon, Quezon City, provides for the physical and spiritual needs of the family during their time of need.

“Sanctuarium has an in-house ritual shop, where all the ritual and ceremonial needs of the family such as incense, candles, paper houses and many others are available. This is mainly for Buddhists and those who practice Eastern religions,” Dy says.

Dy explains that aside from the rituals, there is not much difference between Chinese and Christian beliefs on death.

“It is the same in terms of honoring one’s parents, which is very important to the Chinese and is one of the 10 Commandments of God for Christians,” he says.

Aside from the rituals shop, Sanctuarium is the only funeral home that has an in-house chaplaincy service for Christians and Catholics. The chaplains, through the Jesus Cares Ministry, provide visitation and care to the bereaved.

Dy says the chaplains offer prayers, counseling, Masses and necrological services at no added cost to the families.

“Reading materials are also provided to the families to lighten their emotional and spiritual burden,” he adds.

Sanctuarium offers packages for vault, cremation and other services.

For details, call 415-2255 or log on to www.sanctuarium.net.