| In this first of a two part series we're going to | | | | until it is time for the service. People from the |
| discuss Japanese Buddhist funeral customs.What | | | | mortuary then come and place the body in the |
| most people don't realize, even those familiar with | | | | casket. One of the unusual items put in the casket |
| Buddhism, is that Japanese Buddhist funeral customs | | | | with the deceased is money to pay for the toll |
| differ from region to region. There is no one custom | | | | across the River of the 3 Hells. This is of course |
| that encompasses all of Buddhism. Therefore, a | | | | symbolic. Also, any items that the deceased was |
| generic description will not be possible. The religion of | | | | fond of during life are put in the casket. The body is |
| the deceased also plays a role in the burial ceremony. | | | | then placed in front of the main altar if the ceremony |
| Also the person's age and social status, as well as | | | | is to take place at the mortuary hall. If the wake is |
| economic situation, affect how they are buried.Even | | | | to take place at home then the body is placed in |
| though the services themselves are different based | | | | front of the family altar.The next step is to set the |
| on the above factors, there are some customs that | | | | home up so that friends of the family can pay their |
| are the same or similar throughout. What follows is a | | | | respects. A table is usually set up at the entrance of |
| brief list of the common elements to a Buddhist | | | | the home or hall. A few people are usually stationed |
| funeral.First there is the washing of the body. The | | | | to greet the people who come to pay their respects. |
| body is washed at the hospital and then the body | | | | Each person signs his or her name in the registry |
| openings are stuffed with cotton. In ancient times | | | | book. The guests then present their condolence |
| the family washed the body but now that is done by | | | | money, called koden. This is placed in a special |
| the hospital. The body is then dressed in a suit or | | | | envelope that has a thin black and white ribbon |
| kimono and a cosmetic specialist will apply makeup. | | | | wrapped around it. The amount depends on the |
| From there the body is taken to the place where the | | | | relationship of the person to the deceased. The |
| wake is to be held.Then there is choosing the | | | | amount is written on the outside of the envelope. |
| arrangements for the service. The day is chosen as | | | | Meanwhile, at the altar, incense is burned and a |
| well as the type of alter that is to be used. Food | | | | cushion is placed so that guests can kneel in front of |
| that will be fed to the guests is also decided on. Gifts | | | | the alter and pay their respects. The visitor then |
| are also chosen to give to those who come to the | | | | pays their respects to the family and then goes into |
| service. Of course a casket is also chosen for the | | | | another room where food is served.In our last part |
| deceased to be buried in.The body is then prepared | | | | of this series we'll continue with the wake, the |
| for the service. Just prior, it is put in dry ice at the | | | | funeral and the cremation. |
| mortuary, The next of kin then stay with the body | | | | |