Losing a loved one is always a heavy burden for their family. Not only does the family have to cope with the grief, but there are also the obligations that follow.
If you live in the Philippines, you should know how to arrange a Filipino funeral. You should also know what to do next to handle the deceased’s legal affairs. With such a burden, you want to make sure things run smoothly.
This short guide will show you the basics of funeral planning in the Philippines. Let’s start with learning the Filipino customs for funerals:
Study the Traditions
Most Filipinos adhere to the Catholic faith and this will shape the protocol for the funeral. Different regions and ethnic groups will also have unique Filipino customs that’ll be part of the funeral.
At the funeral, the Priest shall bless the deceased. A hearse shall carry the deceased to the church where they are buried.
You can also expect the following based on your region:
- Attendees should wash in a coin-filled basin following the funeral
- This is intended to rid themselves of evil spirits
- In smaller towns, one member of the family must behead a rooster when the deceased’s body is removed
- Friends and family can sing Catholic funeral songs during the wake
- Flowers get used for decorating the casket
You should ask the elders of your region to advise you on their local traditions.
40 Days
Following the death of a loved one, there will be 40 days of prayer. These 40 days are to help the deceased reach the afterlife.
Each day a new prayer gets recited. These prayers are often chosen by the elders of the family. A meal gets shared amongst friends and family following each prayer.
Make sure you keep in contact with the deceased’s friends and close relatives at all times. They’ll want to partake in the 40 days traditions as often as possible.
It’s also around this time that you can speak to a lawyer in the Philippines to arrange the deceased’s legal affairs. They can help you with challenges such as the transfer of land title to heirs.
Behavior
For those unfamiliar with Filipino customs, one might get shocked at a Filipino funeral.
Mourning and grief are to be expected at the funeral. But you can also expect throngs of family members and friends to distract you from grief. You may see mourners play card games to entertain themselves.
Drinking and eating and being merry is also the norm. Filipinos don’t see a person’s death as the end of their life. As such, they want to celebrate the person’s life rather than only mourn their passing.
You can also show your respects to the deceased by making a financial donation to the family.
Plan a Filipino Funeral
Now you know the basics of how to plan a Filipino funeral. Make sure you research the local customs based on your region first.
You should also keep in touch with all friends and family members so they can partake in traditions. Find a lawyer and keep in touch with the deceased’s heirs to handle legal affairs.
While this is a sad occasion, make sure to celebrate the deceased’s life and what they meant to everyone.
You can read more about Filipino customs and traditions on our website!
