Five Important Funeral Etiquettes You Must Observe During A Funeral Service in the Philippines

Posted on: May 10, 2019 Publish By: funerallink

Filipinos are known and portrayed around the world as the conservative ones. But as much as we agree to this, social media presents us otherwise. We can see on social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter, the younger generation Filipinos are outspoken, liberated and open-minded. That doesn’t mean conservative is close-minded. It just shows this new generation wants “new and fresh” ideas, we can also call “change”.

Moving forward however can also mean forgetting and/or neglecting customs and traditions, superstitious and nonsuperstitious beliefs (link of the previous blog about superstitious beliefs), and the most important of all etiquettes.

Etiquette is defined as “the customary code of polite behavior in society”. It has to be observed every time, everywhere.

The one as old as time, “Respect the elders” is now taken for granted. How many times has the Tulfo Brothers get a parent and child arguing on-air live and in the interwebs? The change we perceive in our society nowadays, unfortunately, overlaps with influence. Social media and the internet has opened everyone up to other cultures, and it influences our views about our heritage and beliefs.

Respecting the elders includes respecting somebody who passed away or has gone before us (whether older or younger than us) and the family left behind. Funeral etiquette is like an unwritten rule that should be observed and should be transferred by word of mouth from one generation to another.

philippines flag, etiquettes in funeral service in the philippines, funeral service, funeral

Here are important funeral etiquettes Filipinos should observe:

Be on Time – In paying your last respects, this thing called “Filipino Time” should be out the window. If there one thing the Western world would and could influence us, then it has to be this – to be early or be on time. Filipino time means being minutes to hours late compared to the standard time. It’s like having our own clock, albeit aware that the right time is the World Standard Time.
Dress Appropriately – During the wake and visitations, take note of the clothes you chose to wear. Be sensitive. When in doubt, ask the elders about superstitious colors for clothing and the accessories you wear or bring.
Watch Your Words – In this very sensitive time, when almost every adult is speaking in whispers, the young must take the cue that this is not the time to be loud, or be vulgar. Choose the words to say, and when you’re anxious about what proper words to use, say nothing at all. Your presence and showing up for support, most times a hug, or taking the hand of the bereaved relative and placing them on your forehead, a tradition for Filipinos, is enough.
Disconnect From Social Media – Majority of funerals through the burial itself is like a reunion for most families. Take the time to meet and learn about the relative and cousins you haven’t met before. Respect the family and not take pictures for social media.

Also remember for guests that: it is not about you. The funeral is for the departed’s life to be celebrated and his last days on earth spent with dignity and love.

Five Important Funeral Etiquettes You Must Observe During A Funeral Service in the Philippines

Here are important funeral etiquettes Filipinos should observe:

Related posts

Sentimental Blooms and Flower Arrangements in Philippine Funerals

Getting a Pre-Need Life Plan Will Make Your Family Feel Less Stressful and Easy

8 Tips to Cope with Loss During the Holiday Season

Leave a Reply Cancel reply