FUNERAL ETIQUETTE

Traditionally family members, relatives and friends present at a Chinese funeral are given a red packet as a sign of gratitude from the deceased's family.  This money must be spent.  

I notice that in Malaysia, the red packets are given only to the drivers of the cars that had accompanied the hearse to the crematorium or the burial site.  In the above picture, you see Steven waiting at the entrance of the crematorium to hand the red packets to the drivers of the car that had come for the crematorium.  

Traditionally a white towel is also given as a sign of gratitude although it is also used by funeral guests to wipe away perspiration.  At Mr Wong's funeral, I notice that the mourners were given towels of different colours. Kama and I got yellow towels.  The towel actually came in quite handy as I used it to wipe away my tears and also perspiration.

These mourners got pink, yellow, blue and green towels.