100 days after buddhist funeral - Harmony Funeral Care (2024)

FAQs

What do Buddhists do 100 days after death? ›

Other Buddhists observe a mourning period of 100 days. During this time, they don't hold or attend celebratory events like weddings and baby showers. A ceremony may be held on the 100th day to celebrate the end of the mourning period and the successful rebirth of the person's soul.

In Chinese culture, a mourning period can last for 100 days, which is the length of time it may take for someone's soul to be reborn as another person. During that period, bereaved people might continue to wear grieving colours, and might feel it inappropriate to go to celebratory occasions, like weddings.

The bereaved family may choose to host a reception after the funeral, here mourners will continue to pay their respects. It is also common for Buddhists to hold multiple services throughout the mourning period; these are usually on the 3rd, 7th, 49th and 100th day after the death of a loved one.

Mourning Period

This is because Buddhist traditions state that the deceased is reborn 49 days after their passing. Finally, on the 100th day, the family will organize a get-together to celebrate that the deceased's soul has now been reincarnated.

Avoid attending auspicious events like weddings, baby showers for the first 100 days after death. If possible, avoid going on holidays as well.

Buddhist mourning periods last up to 100 days, with services traditionally held on the third, seventh, 49th, and 100th day. Cremation is traditional in Buddhism, but only after seven days have passed. Mourners wear white, and the service and casket are typically very simple and not showy.

On that 100th day, a family would traditionally pray and give food offerings to thank the Shaman spirit of childbirth for the child having survived this difficult period. If the child was sick at this time, the family would pass the day without celebration or party as this would be considered bad luck for the infant.

It is traditionally believed that the first 100 days after the child's birth is the most vulnerable period for both the mother and the newborn. Therefore, they are advised to stay home to avoid contracting diseases. This is why making through the first 100 days is the perfect time to celebrate.

Focus on the deceased and their family. Avoid Overindulgence: If the funeral includes a reception or meal, consume alcohol in moderation. Excessive drinking can lead to inappropriate behavior. Don't Rush to Leave: After the service, take some time to offer condolences and support to the grieving family before leaving.

Appropriate gifts.

White flowers, a symbol of mourning, are favored. Avoid sending red flowers or gifts of food.

What do Buddhist say happens after death? ›

Buddhists believe death is a natural part of the life cycle. They believe that death simply leads to rebirth. This belief in reincarnation – that a person's spirit remains close by and seeks out a new body and new life – is a comforting and important principle.

According to Buddhist funeral customs, chanting may be led by monks and guests can either join in or sit silently. At this time, mourners and monks may also sing Buddhist funeral prayers which are also known as sutras. These Buddhist funeral prayers are detailed canonical scriptures that often include repetition.

Rebirth within 49 days

In many Buddhist traditions, 49 days is the total mourning period, with prayers conducted every 7 days, across 7 weeks. These Buddhists believe that rebirth takes place within 49 days after death. So these prayers are conducted to facilitate this journey of the deceased into the afterlife.

This comes from the idea that the dead parent gave the children their nails and hair, so they should not be cut during the mourning period or after the burial.

One is expected to pay respects to the deceased so wearing neutral and subdued colours are recommended during the mourning period. Shades of blue, black, white or any other dull colours are acceptable. Avoid wearing or carrying anything red as in Chinese culture, it is a colour of celebration.

An annual Buddhist memorial service is held on the anniversary of the death, but it is also acceptable to conduct it on a day around that same date. In that case, it is customary to choose a day that is earlier than the anniversary of the death.

Won Buddhists believe the soul is in a transitional state for 49 days, and the funeral rites guide the soul to have a pure mind. They also help the soul break attachments that remain to help it reach Nirvana.

Buddhism teaches that there is life after death because the Buddha taught that human beings are each born an infinite number of times, unless they achieve Nirvana. In the Dhammapada. the Buddha states: Long is the cycle of birth and death to the fool who does not know the true path.

The first 49 days after a loved one's death are the most important in Buddhism because we believe it takes a total of 49 days for one's spirit and energy to be fully released.