Japanese Funerals

Most funerals in Japan are held in a Buddhist style.  There are many variations to this style but for the most part they all have the same standards.

On the day of the funeral, the body is cremated.  The people visiting that day take a first meal during this time.  Afterwards the relatives of the deceased take the bones out of the ashes and, using chopsticks, pass them from person to person.  There are many Buddhist rituals that are done and many guests come to the ceremony.  Each guest pays a small amount of money to the relatives and in return receive a gift.  Another meal is held.  And urn with the remains of the deceased is put on an altar in the family's house and is there for 35 days.  Incense is burned all night and day (special incense sticks are used and one in particular lasts 12 hours for evening use).  Many visitors will come to the house to burn a stick and talk to the family.  After 35 days, the urn is buried at a Buddhist cemetery.  The family will visit the graves of their ancestors during many festivals, anniversaries, and special weeks during the year.