What are the differences between the Contemporary and Traditional Chinese Funeral (Reliable Sources pls)?

There are a myriad of sources available for your research. If you enter "Chinese funeral customs" into your favorite search engine, you'll get a plethora of hits! They will be quite varied because the customs themselves are quite varied.

In addition to the fact that there are 56 ethnic identities in China, there are also a number of religious and traditional aspects in how people respond to death. Many of the sites I read said that an older person never shows respect to a younger person, therefore, the body of a younger person is not brought home for a wake, but placed in a funeral home instead. I have found this not to be true in all cases, especially after the loss of so many young people in last year's earthquake.

The deceased is dressed in new clothing. An announcement is written out in poster form that lists ALL family members, not just nuclear family members. This is basically a family tree that can expand over several generations.

Colors worn during funerals also vary according to region and tradition. In Gansu Province, white is a standard color worn by immediate family members following the death of a loved one.

Chrysanthemum is a traditional flower used at funerals.

If a body is unable to be sent to the family tomb, the head of the coffin is positioned facing the hometown.

Dirt placed on a grave is piled in a cone shape and a stone is placed at the top of the cone. This is so water runoff is steady and won't pool on the grave. The higher the cone (more dirt used), the higher the family status of the deceased.

If a body is cremated, then the more ornate the container for the ashes, the higher the family status. Some families place the ashes in a household shrine, while others have them placed in a public cemetery.

Wakes for older generations usually last from one to three days, with the body being inside the home. Since homes are so small, the family usually rents a large two-tent structure that is placed outside. The two tents are set up facing each other with pictures of the deceased placed inside. The family then hosts visitors, etc. in these tents, feeding them and visiting and remembering the life of the deceased.

Paper funeral wreaths similar to the one seen in this photo:

http://travel.webshots.com/photo/2816181810064162889zVkiiV

line the outside of the tents and outside the home. Memorial banners are a part of the wreath as well. (The one in the photo says "Beloved Grandfather.")

I realize this is a hodgepodge of thoughts. I spoke with some graduate students today to get their input, so this information is very anecdotal and fairly case/province specific. I have only observed Chinese funerals from a distance or as an outsider, not as a participant. My husband's grandmother's funeral was more American than Chinese when she passed away after living in the United States for over 50 years.

Good luck on your research. It's a very interesting topic!

Chinese Funeral Etiquette

Chinese Funeral Traditions

This Site Might Help You.

RE:
What are the differences between the Contemporary and Traditional Chinese Funeral (Reliable Sources pls)?
I need to research about the difference between Contemporary and Traditional Chinese

The difference is in preparation of the ceremony and the length of the mourning period.

In traditional Chinese funerals, the ceremony is either of Buddhist or Taoist rituals. There will be a lot of chanting and prayers. If the deceased is a follower of Taoism, then the ceremony will be Taoist, where Taoist monks will perform a series of prayers and dances to help lead the spirit into the afterlife. During the ceremony, family and friends will prepare paper products and paper money to be burnt as offering. There will also be food at the alter as offering to the gods and to the deceased. Food usually include roasted pig, vegetable dishes, fruits, and anything that the deceased loved previously. Typically, for the entire funeral, there are 4-5 ceremonies. One the night before the funeral, one on the day of the funeral, one on the 21st day (usually paid for by the son), one on the 35th day (usually paid for by the daughter) and one on the 49th day. The one on the 21st day is said to be preparing for the spirit to return home. The spirit is believed to return home for a short period of time. Family will have to prepare food for the spirit as well as the guards accompanying the spirit home. The spirit will only stay for several hours. The one on the 49th day is usually the last ceremony and completes the entire funeral/mourning process, though some older generations will extend their mourning period to 100 days or back in the old days, up to 3 years. Immediate family will have to wear white or special mourning clothes (made of natural material with no dyes). The deceased in a Taoist ceremony will be buried in the ground. During the mourning period, family of the deceased cannot attend any celebrations including birthdays and weddings, and cannot visit other people's homes.

If the deceased is not a follower of Taoism, then a Buddhist ceremony will be used - just chanting of prayers. Food offering is just vegetarian dishes and fruits. The ceremonies are less elaborate and less 'complicated'. I know some families will follow the same time-schedule to do chanting and prayers. The deceased in a Taoist ceremony may be buried in the ground or cremated. If the person is cremated, then the ashes will be kept either at home or the temple (never into the ground).

Contemporary funerals have eliminated many of the traditions and have adopted some of the Western practices. Many newer generations will keep the first couple Taoist ceremonies and then have a smaller closing ceremony also on the day of the funeral. The closing ceremony signifies the end of the mourning period. Also, family can decide if they want a burial or cremation. Immediate family might not wear white - more and more families are opting to wear black. The mourning period, if extended after the funeral, is typically only 1-month.

In a traditional Chinese funeral, everyone needs to cry. In a contemporary funeral, such as, mine. I will get up when people are crying.