While death and funerals are part and parcel of life, they continue to be a topic that most of us struggle to approach until the time inevitably comes and we have no choice but to attend or plan one.
Taboo or not, we believe that funerals are important because they are a way to remember and honour the deceased, as well as give families the opportunity to come together.
In Singapore, you would typically see void deck funerals happening around HDB flats from time to time. However, there is so much more to funerals than that. In fact, funerals have evolved and changed so much over the years, whether we notice it or not.
Today, we take a closer look at how funerals in Singapore have changed over the years.
A Glimpse At Funerals In The Past
If you attended a funeral over a decade ago, your experience would be very different than at a funeral in this day and age.
This is because funerals in the past were very traditional, with little to almost no room for personalisation.
Whether it was a Buddhist or Hindu funeral, there was a need to strictly adhere to specific religious traditions and practices throughout the entire process.
However, funerals have evolved with the times.
The Rise Of Modern Funerals
In recent years, funerals have broken free from their traditional past as more people embrace freethinker funerals, which are not tied to any specific religion. This is a result of an increase in Singaporeans not having a religion as well as mixed heritage families.
Besides that, it is also a good neutral option especially when the deceased has children that may practise different religions.
Interactive funerals that involve eulogies and in some cases, emcees, are also becoming a well-received option. After all, what better way is there to remember your loved one than by celebrating who they were and sharing with others the impact they left in your life?
Digital Demands During The Pandemic
The recent COVID-19 pandemic has also changed the funeral landscape as there was a need to go digital in order to stay relevant.
During that period, livestream funeral services were sought after due to tighter restrictions and lockdowns, which made it challenging for people to be physically present at funerals.
Such services included the filming of the entire cremation process as well as livestreaming ceremonial prayers and rituals that took place during the wake.
While it would have been ideal to be physically present, having the option to tune in virtually was the next best thing for those who were more vulnerable and at risk of contracting COVID-19, such as people with pre-existing conditions and the elderly.
Funerals: Past VS Present
In the past, funerals were typically held in HDB void decks. Although void deck funerals continue to take place these days, there are many other funerals that are also held in funeral parlours.
Funeral parlours have become a popular option due to comfort and convenience.
For starters, holding the funeral at a funeral parlour is essentially the same as renting out a venue, which means having a comfortable air-conditioned space for mourners to pay their last respects.
On top of that, there isn’t the need to have someone guarding the place overnight because the funeral parlour gets locked up at night. Hence, giving bereaved family members the opportunity to head home for some quality rest during an intense period of grief.
Besides the difference in venue, funeral directors did not exist in the past – that means you would have to figure everything out on your own when it comes to organising a funeral.
Fortunately, this is no longer the case as funeral directors have become a staple in the industry. From guiding you through the entire process to handling all the logistics, having a funeral director is a game changer when it comes to funeral matters.
Singapore Casket: Your One-Stop Solution For All Funeral Needs
Our professional funeral directors have decades of experience and are committed to helping fulfil the last wishes of your loved one and delivering a funeral wake that is memorable, dignified and heartfelt.
We can handle every aspect of your loved one’s funeral arrangement – from embalming and makeup as well as memorial gemstone services to exhumation & remain relocation and post funeral services.
You can learn more about our full range of funeral services here or get in contact with us at 6293 4388, we are open 7 days a week and 24 hours a day.
