Yesterday evening, I attended the wake of the late Mr Wong Kee Ming. As can be seen in the above picture, a temporary altar has been set up with a framed portrait of him. Offerings of joss-sticks, candles, food and drinks are placed on the table.
There are also two white paper lanterns flanking each side of the coffin. On the right indicates the family name, Wong. The one on the left reads 61 years old. Actually, Mr Wong was 57 years old at the time of death. At death the Chinese add three years to their age, one for heaven, one for earth and one for man. By right the lantern should read 60 since 57 plus 3 equals 60. However, Mr Wong was born in January before the Lup Chun which makes him another year older. So, his Chinese age would be 59.
Information of Mr Wong's passing is posted on a board at the entrance. He passed away on Sunday, 14 August 2011. The funeral will be on Thursday, 18 August and the cortege will leave for the crematorium at 11.00 a.m. in Pundut.
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| Chinese believe that the deceased should have kind of an income during his afterlife. That is why during the wake people burn joss paper and prayer money. |
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| A Taoist priest saying prayers for the soul of the deceased. |
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| The lady is singing some religious songs during the wake |
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| The paper car for Mr Wong. It would be burnt on the day of the funeral. |
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| The house for Mr Wong in the afterlife. |
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