A Complete Guide to Paper Offerings
The 19 ritual paper offerings each have their own meanings, as well as charges for custom-made paper offerings (massage chairs, carts, stadiums, airplanes) and burning paper offerings.
Hung Hom · Complete Funeral Services · FEHD-Licensed Undertaker
Complete Taoist and Buddhist Funeral Services
Taoist and Buddhist ceremonies from HK$8,800. A 25-item inclusive package, with every element explained, from opening the way and conveying symbolic wealth to the final farewell.
Look at a list but not sure what each item is?
It was the first time for many family members to choose a ritual package. When they saw "road luck", "paper spiritual flags", "gold and silver jewelry", and "longevity head and tail lamps", they had no idea what they were and could only let the other party arrange them.
This page will do two things: explain step by step what everything in the package is and what it means , and step by step explain the process of the whole night ritual - from opening the road, lucking in wealth, Breaking the Hell Gate ritual, visiting the ten halls, sitting on the lotus, carrying banners to buy water, crossing the Gold and Silver Bridge, to the funeral procession. If you understand, you won't feel like you're just paying money.
Tim Fat Funeral is FEHD licensed undertaker , shop address G/F, 26 Baker Street, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong . Inquiry: 82099774 Mr Wu , answered 24 hours a day.
On This Page
- Taoist/Buddhist ritual package (25 items)
- A step-by-step explanation of the package items
- Taoist rituals and Hong Kong intangible cultural heritage
- A section-by-section explanation of Taoist rituals
- Buddhist ritual
- Taoism vs Buddhism
- All night ritual schedule
- What should the family do
- Five factors affecting charges
- The ritual after the funeral
- Frequently Asked Questions (23 questions)
Taoist/Buddhist Ceremony (from $8800)
Taoist ritual
- Standard coffin
- Silk lining
- Hearse transfer
- Embroidered soft pillow
- Descendants’ quilt
- Premium Chinese burial clothing
- Ritual travel pass
- Hemp mourning clothes
- Condolence register and funeral return gifts
- filial piety lamp, filial piety hat or filial piety stick
- White cloth funeral inscription
- Paper spirit banner and tablet
- Gold and silver beads and a ritual mouthpiece
- Complete set of offerings
- Complete set of ceremonial candles
- Enlarged portrait with frame
- Ritual master to open the way and convey symbolic wealth
- Payment of miscellaneous expenses on the family’s behalf
- Professional funeral attendant
- Funeral hearse
- One coach for relatives and friends
- A pair of longevity lamps at the head and feet
- Application for death certificate
- Six Taoist ritual masters and a full set of paper offerings, including furnace hire
- Mourning hall
Query: 82099774 Mr Wu
Package items explained one by one
The 25 items can be divided into five groups - burial supplies, ceremonial supplies, ritual documents, manpower and rituals, venue and transportation .
1. Encoffining Supplies
| Project | Description |
|---|---|
| Standard coffin | Standard style complying with FEHD Cremation Coffin Code. Cremation coffins should avoid being larger than 710 mm in height / 760 mm in width / 1,980 mm in length. Metal or PVC attachments are not allowed on the surface. The name of the deceased must be listed on the coffin. For details on styles, see Complete guide to buying coffins . |
| Silk lining | The silk lining and decoration inside the coffin make the deceased's resting place neat and solemn. |
| Embroidered soft pillow | An embroidered pillow placed under the head of the deceased allows the deceased to rest on his head. |
| Descendants’ quilt | Offered by descendants to cover the deceased, it symbolizes the reproduction of descendants and the blessing of future generations . |
| Premium Chinese burial clothing | The clothing worn by the deceased during the funeral procession. The custom in Hong Kong is " even numbers for men and odd numbers for women ", which requires at least six pieces for men (long gown, mandarin jacket, single shirt, single pants, underwear, underwear), and at least seven pieces for women (jacket, pleated skirt, robe, single shirt, single pants, underwear, underwear), as well as shoes, socks, towels, fans, etc. See burial clothing for details. |
| Gold and silver beads and a ritual mouthpiece | The symbolic items placed at the time of burial symbolize that the deceased will be prosperous . It must comply with cremation regulations and should not contain metal or plastic components. |
| A pair of longevity lamps at the head and feet | The lights placed at both ends of the coffin wood symbolize lighting the way for the deceased . |
2. Mourning Attire and Supplies
| Project | Description |
|---|---|
| Hemp mourning clothes | The mourning clothes worn by immediate family members according to seniority. Traditionally made of hemp, ramie and other materials, the colour and shape of the clothes vary according to the relationship with the deceased. |
| Filial piety lamp, filial piety hat or filial piety stick | Filial ritual utensils held or worn by family members during ceremonies. The filial piety stick (mourning stick) is mostly held by filial sons, symbolizing the need to hold on to the stick when mourning. |
| Condolence register and funeral return gifts | The condolence register records those attending and those sending floral tributes, helping the family acknowledge them later. Funeral return gifts are white upright envelopes with a red stripe, containing a white towel, a sweet and a one-dollar coin to thank mourners. Traditionally, eat the sweet and spend the coin that day; do not take them home. |
3. Ceremonial documents and paper products
| Project | Description |
|---|---|
| Ritual travel pass | A symbolic travel document allowing the deceased to pass through the underworld, issued and burnt by the ritual master during the rites. |
| White cloth funeral inscription | A white cloth on which sacrificial texts are written and recited during the ceremony to state life and thoughts to the deceased and the gods. |
| Paper spirit banner and tablet | That is, the spiritual flags and tablets are divided into , the recommended spiritual tablet and , the additional recommended spiritual tablet . During the ceremony, the bereaved family holds spiritual flags and follows the soul across the Naihe Bridge under the guidance of Taoist ritual masters. |
| Complete set of offerings | The offerings on the table are arranged according to tradition. |
| Complete set of ceremonial candles | A complete set of incineration supplies such as incense, candles and ingots. |
| Enlarged portrait with frame | The deceased's photo is enlarged and placed in a frame in the centre of the mourning hall. |
| Full set of paper offerings with furnace rental | A complete set of paper offerings for the rites is included: cranes and willow banners, a principal spirit tablet, an additional memorial tablet, a bathing room, a home-viewing terrace, gold and silver bridges, gold and silver mountains, a Western-style house and garden, and more. Furnace hire is also included. See our complete guide to paper offerings for the meaning of each item. |
4. Staff and Religious Rites
| Project | Description |
|---|---|
| 6 masters | Taoist super-recommended rituals require multiple masters to divide the work - main subjects, chanting, percussion (gongs, drums, cymbals) and coordinated movement to fully perform the entire set of rituals. The number of masters is one of the main factors affecting fees. |
| Ritual master to open the way and convey symbolic wealth | " Opening the Road " is the beginning of the ritual, chanting sutras to guide the way, and informing the gods; " Luck and Wealth " is to send money and silk to the deceased, symbolizing the need for food and clothing. "Fortune" is also included in the "Traditional Funeral Ceremony" (No. 3.54) on the Hong Kong Intangible Cultural Heritage List. |
| Professional funeral attendant | The officiant of the mourning hall is responsible for presiding over the entire evening process, guiding relatives and friends to pay tribute, roll call, instructing family members to stand and kneel down, control the time rhythm, and coordinate with the master, funeral parlour staff and family members. Experienced funeral attendants are the most important support for families in chaos. |
| Application for death certificate | Assistance with death registration and applications for certified copies of the death certificate. Registration is free; certified copies cost $140 each for local applications or $275 for overseas applications. We recommend obtaining several copies. |
| Payment of miscellaneous expenses on the family’s behalf | The miscellaneous expenses already covered by the package do not need to be paid by family members afterwards. |
5. Venue and transportation
| Project | Description |
|---|---|
| Mourning hall | setting up the mourning hall venue arrangement. There are currently 7 licensed funeral parlours in Hong Kong . We can rent any of them on your behalf. For details, please see funeral parlour full guide . |
| Hearse transfer | The body of the deceased is transported from the hospital or mortuary to the funeral parlour. |
| Funeral hearse | The funeral procession takes the coffin to the crematorium or cemetery on the same day. |
| One coach for relatives and friends | Pick up family members and relatives and friends to accompany the funeral procession. |
When comparing prices, ask: Does the quote include funeral hall hire? A Consumer Council survey puts hire for a 50–80-person hall, wake and funeral at around HK$6,500–24,500. Does it include the government cremation fee (HK$1,220 for an adult, HK$650 for a child)? How is the charge for burning offerings calculated? Parlours charge differently, generally from just over HK$1,000 to several thousand. See Services for the four layers of funeral costs.
Taoist rituals and Hong Kong’s intangible cultural heritage
The ritual ceremony you performed for the deceased is not "superstitious", but an intangible cultural heritage that has been officially recognized by the government and needs to be protected .
- "Orthodox Taoist ritual traditions" - The Leisure and Cultural Services Department announced the first " Representative List of Hong Kong Intangible Cultural Heritage " on August 14, 2017 , covering a total of 20 items , "Orthodox Taoist Ritual Tradition" is one of them.
- "Quanzhen Taoist Hall Ritual Music" - is one of the local projects included in the National Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage Projects , and is also included in the Hong Kong Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage.
- "Traditional Funeral Rituals" (No. 3.54) - Included in the first "Hong Kong Intangible Cultural Heritage List", the list points out that traditional funeral rituals mainly include: Chanting the Head Sutra, Breaking the Hell Gate ritual, buying water, enclosing, lucking in wealth, praying, post-funeral meal and post-funeral meal Wait.
- Paper Crafting Technique, another of the 20 items on the first Representative List, uses bamboo strips, tissue and coloured paper, silk and similar materials, shaped by hand and painted. Common examples include ceremonial flower rockets, figures of the Ghost King, lanterns, dragons, lions, qilin (Chinese unicorns) and paper offerings.
To clarify a common statement: It is often said that "Breaking the Hell Gate ritual is Hong Kong's intangible cultural heritage." A more accurate statement is - "Breaking the Hell Gate ritual" is an integral part of Hong Kong's "Traditional Funeral Ritual" (List No. 3.54) , rather than an independent item. In addition, "Breaking the Hell Gate ritual" can also be seen in the rituals of many Bon Festival projects in Hong Kong, and Hong Kong Trendy Bon Festival itself is also a national intangible cultural heritage project.
A section-by-section explanation of Taoist rituals
The following are common ritual aspects of Taoist funerals in Hong Kong. The names and orders of each altar and each local custom are slightly different. The actual arrangement is subject to the arrangement of the officiating Taoist ritual masters.
Chanting at the Time of Death
the deceased is the earliest chanting session performed after death to calm the spirit of the deceased. Included in the Hong Kong Intangible Cultural Heritage List "Traditional Funeral Ceremonies" (No. 3.54).
open the way
At the beginning of the ritual, Taoist ritual masters chant sutras to lead the way, to open the passage to the netherworld for the dead souls , and inform the gods. This section is included in the package "Master Opens the Road to Luck Wealth".
Conveying Symbolic Wealth
A rite to send symbolic wealth to the deceased, expressing the wish that they have sufficient food and clothing in the next world. It is also included under Traditional Funeral Rituals (item 3.54) in the intangible cultural heritage inventory.
bathing
It symbolizes purifying the body of the deceased , removing the filth of the world, and embarking on the path to immortality with a clean body. Corresponds to " Shower Room " in paper offerings.
Carrying the Spirit Banner and Fetching Water
The ritual of ‘buying water’ is included under ‘Traditional funeral rituals’ in the intangible cultural heritage inventory (item 3.54). The chief mourner or eldest son usually carries the spirit banner, a role known as ‘carrying the banner’, and follows a Taoist ritual master to collect water, symbolising cleansing the deceased. In modern funeral parlours, this is usually performed symbolically. The family member chosen depends on family seniority and the ritual master’s guidance.
Breaking the Hell Gate ritual
One of the most representative rituals in Taoist funeral rituals, symbolizing opening the door to the Breaking the Hell Gate ritual and leading the deceased souls out of the suffering of the underworld . It is an integral part of the "traditional funeral rituals" of Hong Kong's intangible cultural heritage. This link requires a large number of masters and requires a lot of time. Whether Breaking the Hell Gate ritual is included will obviously affect the charges .
The Journey through the Ten Courts
It symbolizes leading the dead soul through the ten halls of the underworld one by one, to accept scrutiny and resolve their sins. It is a relatively large-scale link.
Untying Karmic Knots
Symbolizes to untie the grudges and entanglements of the deceased during his lifetime , so that the soul of the deceased can be free from grief. Some altar gates will arrange this festival.
The Lotus Seat Ritual
It symbolizes that the dead soul can sit on the lotus platform and be reborn in a good place . Both are large-scale links, and the number of masters and their time requirements are relatively high.
Crossing the Gold and Silver Bridges
One gold bridge and one silver bridge are provided. Crossing them symbolises the deceased leaving the human world and beginning the ascent to the immortal realm. Family members hold spirit banners for the principal deceased person and for others commemorated alongside them. Led by Taoist ritual masters, they accompany the departed soul across the Naihe Bridge, symbolising departure from relatives and friends and ascent to the immortal realm. This gives bereaved family members a tangible way to participate in that spiritual journey.
The Home-Viewing Terrace
Corresponding to the "Wangxiangtai" in paper offerings, it means that the deceased looks back at the last part of the world , and then goes on the road with peace of mind.
burning paper offerings
Burn the complete set of paper offerings and clothing paper, and send the tokens to the other world. Must be carried out in designated burning paper offerings facility ; funeral parlour will generally charge additional fees for cremation offerings.
The Final Farewell
It is usually carried out in the morning of the funeral procession after the coffin is sealed . Family members, relatives and friends pay their last respects to the deceased, and then the funeral procession begins. Also included in the Intangible Cultural Heritage List "Traditional Funeral Ceremonies" (No. 3.54). The time of this step must be strictly controlled to match the scheduled cremation time.
The Post-Funeral Cleansing Meal and Memorial Banquet
post-funeral meal is a banquet held after cremation or burial to thank relatives and friends and to remove bad luck. It is mostly vegetarian or designated dishes; post-funeral meal (post-funeral meal, red banquet) symbolizes the successful conclusion of the funeral and the return of life to normal. Both are included in the Intangible Cultural Heritage List "Traditional Funeral Ceremonies" (No. 3.54).
Buddhist ritual
Buddhist funerals are centered around masters chanting . The atmosphere is calmer than that of Taoism, and the use of paper offerings is also simpler. Common links include:
- Chanting - The Buddhist officiant recites classics, such as the Amitabha Sutra, the Rebirth Mantra, etc., to help the deceased.
- Worship - Repent on behalf of the deceased and pray for the elimination of sins.
- Offering to the deceased - Make an offering to the Three Jewels and dedicate merit to the deceased.
- Sprinkle and purify - Purify the mandala and mourning hall.
- Refuge ——Grant three refuges to the deceased (depending on the arrangement of the altar gate).
- Dedicate - Dedicate the merits of chanting sutras to the deceased and pray for a good rebirth.
Common supplies : Rebirth quilt, lotus seat, rebirth money, lotus tablet, and fruit offerings. post-funeral meal Yiduo arranges vegetarian meal .
If the family has different beliefs: For example, some members believe in Buddhism and some adhere to traditional Taoism. You can discuss a compromise arrangement with us and the master. For example, the officiating ceremony will be in one form, and a short session will be set up to take care of the other members' wishes. For arrangements of other religions (Catholic Memorial Mass, Christian Dormition, and non-religious farewell services), please see for each religious ceremony .
Taoism vs Buddhism comparison
| Compare items | Taoism | Buddhism |
|---|---|---|
| officiating | Taoist ritual masters | Buddhist officiant |
| Core link | Opening roads, bringing wealth, Breaking the Hell Gate ritual, visiting the ten palaces, sitting on a lotus flower, carrying flags to buy water, crossing the gold and silver bridge, saying goodbye to spirits | Chanting sutras, worshiping and repenting, making offerings, sprinkling water, dedicating prayers |
| sound | With gongs, drums, cymbals, etc. percussion , louder | Mainly chanting wooden fish, is relatively calm |
| paper offerings usage | Many (a full set of religious paper offerings, inseparable from scientific rituals) | Simpler (lotus seat, money for the dead, etc.) |
| Commonly used classics/documents | Ritual travel passs, white cloth offerings, spiritual flags and memorial tablets | "Amitabha Sutra", Rebirth Mantra, Lotus Position |
| post-funeral meal | Vegetarian or designated dishes | Mostly vegetarian |
| Atmosphere | Solemn and lively, with intensive rituals and high participation from family members | Quiet and solemn, mainly chanting |
| Venue considerations | Large space is required for moving parts such as Breaking the Hell Gate ritual | Lower space requirements |
The deceased has no specific beliefs? Can be decided according to family tradition. Even if the deceased did not have a clear religious belief during his lifetime, many families in Hong Kong will still follow the tradition and adopt the Taoist form, which means "a well-organised and complete gift"; some families also choose Buddhist chanting for its tranquility and solemnity; if family members have different opinions, they can also choose a non-religious farewell gift. , mainly focusing on life review, flowers and sharing with relatives and friends. There is no distinction between the three.
All night ritual schedule
This example follows the common arrangement of a wake and overnight vigil, followed by the funeral the next morning. Work backwards from the allocated cremation session to plan the timetable.
Afternoon: Decorating the mourning hall
Set out the framed memorial portrait, elegiac couplets, floral tribute stands, offering table, complete set of ceremonial candles and full set of paper offerings. The funeral attendant arrives to check the running order.
Early Evening: Laying the Deceased in the Coffin
The body of the deceased is moved from the mortuary to the auditorium, where burial clothing and makeup are completed, embroidered soft pillows, poster quilts, gold, silver, and jewelry are placed, and a pair of longevity head and tail lamps are placed. The family members go first to pay their respects to the deceased .
Evening: The ritual begins
Taoist ritual masters enter the venue and perform steps such as to open roads, transport wealth, and bathe . They chant sutras, issue ritual travel passes, and recite white cloth sacrificial inscriptions.
Evening: Main rituals
Carrying flags to buy water, Breaking the Hell Gate ritual, Touring the Ten Halls, Untying Knots, Sitting on Lotus and other large-scale activities. Family members follow the instructions of the funeral attendant and participate in kneeling, offering incense and taking their seats.
Evening: Crossing the Gold and Silver Bridges
The family members hold paper memorial flags (primary recommendation and attached recommendation memorial tablets), and follow the souls across the Naihe Bridge under the guidance of the master.
Evening: Relatives and friends pay tribute
Relatives and friends come to the scene to bow or present flowers in tribute, and offer condolence money . The family members return funeral return gifts and towels, and record the list in the condolence register.
Evening: burning paper offerings
Incineration of a complete set of paper offerings and clothing paper (the package includes furnace rental ; funeral parlour generally charges an additional cremation offering fee).
the vigil
The immediate family members stayed at the funeral hall all night, the vigil, to spend the last night with the deceased.
The Following Morning: Final Encoffining Rites, Sealing the Coffin and Farewell
The family paid their last respects and sealed the coffin, then passed away . The time must be strictly controlled to meet the scheduled cremation slot.
the funeral procession
Pallbearers carry the coffin to the funeral hearse, and the family follows by coach to the crematorium. To watch the coffin entering the cremator by CCTV, tell staff when you arrive.
post-funeral meal
After cremation or burial, a banquet is held to thank relatives and friends and to remove bad luck.
Day 4 after cremation: receiving ashes
Collect ashes and be issued " Collect ashes Permit " ( FEHB 153 ), and then arrange ashes placement and the enthronement ceremony.
Timing reminder: FEHD’s performance pledge is to make unallocated cremation sessions available within 15 days from the day after submission. To change a booking, complete the Application for Cancellation of Cremation Booking (FEHB 264); fees already paid are non-refundable. Therefore, coordinate hall hire, cremation booking and ritual masters together.
What should the family do?
Many family members are most worried about "I don't know how to do it, will it be rude?" Don't worry - The funeral attendant and master will guide you step by step on site, no need to recite it in advance. Basically you need:
- Wear hemp mourning clothes and wear filial piety badges according to seniority (package included)
- Holding filial piety lamp, filial piety hat or filial piety stick (package included)
- A filial son or a designated family member carries the banner to buy water
- Follow the master’s instructions Kneel down and offer incense
- Holding Paper Spirit Flag Following the Master Crossing the Gold and Silver Bridge
- Participate in burning paper offerings session
- Nod to the relatives and friends present ( Do not say "Thank you" , use " You are sincere " instead; Do not see guests off when leaving )
- Distribute funeral return gifts and towels
- the vigil
- The next day was present when the coffin was enshrined, the coffin was sealed, and the funeral was performed
Dietary restrictions for attendees
Everyone attending the funeral should fast and bathe on the day to show respect for the deceased. If you really want to eat meat, avoid eating beef - because the ghosts in the underworld are all ox-headed horse noodles . Eating beef is equivalent to eating its own kind, which may anger them. For more customs and taboos, see FAQ 82 .
Five factors that affect fees
It's also a "practice", and the fees can vary widely. The differences mainly come from the following five items:
| factors | influence |
|---|---|
| 1. Number of masters | The package lists 6 masters , which is a common complete configuration. The greater the number of people, the more complete the ritual, and the higher the fee. |
| 2. Number of ritual venues | Just open the way, or even Breaking the Hell Gate ritual, Touring the Ten Halls, and Sitting on the Lotus as a complete set, the difference is huge. |
| 3. Total hours of science and technology | It can vary from two to three hours to overnight. |
| 4. Whether it includes Breaking the Hell Gate ritual | Breaking the Hell Gate ritual is a large-scale process with the highest manpower and time requirements. is the most obvious price divide . |
| 5. Scale of paper offerings | In addition to the full set of ritual paper offerings, if you add customized products (massage chairs, carts, golf courses, airplanes, etc.), they will be charged separately. The cremation offering fee for funeral parlour also varies from venue to venue , generally ranging from more than a thousand Hong Kong dollars to several thousand Hong Kong dollars. |
What if money is tight? The scale of the rites can be adjusted to your budget. Fewer ritual masters, sessions or elements can still provide a complete, dignified ceremony. For CSSA recipients, our concessionary funeral services from HK$8,800 include Taoist ritual masters or other ceremony arrangements and incense and offerings for Taoist rites, or other ceremonial supplies. Families may also apply to SWD for a burial grant of up to HK$17,870 in 2026, within six months of the recipient’s death.
rites after the funeral
Traditionally, there are still many nodes that need to be worshiped within the forty-nine days after the deceased's death: , the first seven, the second seven to the last seven (seven seven, that is, forty-nine days), the hundred days, the opposite year (the first death anniversary) , and every subsequent death anniversary.
In modern funeral practice, ritual masters usually complete the rites together at the funeral parlour, including putting on mourning attire, the first and final seven-day rites, and Breaking the Hell Gate. Families do not need several separate ceremonies. In earlier times, remains were kept at home for 49 days before burial, allowing the deceased to rest. During those 49 days of mourning, mourners did not visit other homes, which explains the traditional avoidance of people attending to a bereavement.
Festival worship
- Qingming Festival - Spring tomb sweeping and worship, one of the peak crowds in columbarium and cemeteries.
- Double Ninth Festival - Autumn worship, together with Qingming Festival, are two major tomb-sweeping festivals.
- Bon Festival - the seventh month of the lunar calendar, folk festivals and festivals; Hong Kong's Chaozhou people's Bon Festival is a national intangible cultural heritage project, and its main rituals also include Breaking the Hell Gate ritual .
Other Occasions for Religious Rites
- The ceremony of enthroning and enthroning the deceased - choose a day when the ashes are placed in the niche. Incense-free places (such as Shimen columbarium, section A39 of BMCPC Tseung Kwan O and the new niche of Chongxiao House are all incense-free areas) must be burned with flowers and fruits instead.
- Exhumation (exhumation) and reburial - Exhumation of remains must be carried out after six years in a public cemetery. Many families will choose an auspicious day and prepare incense and candle offerings. For details, see exhumation． Cemetery .
- Relocation —— exhumed remains cremation or burial urn Simple rituals can also be arranged for reburial.
Supporting arrangements
Other Arrangements to Coordinate with the Rites
Seven licensed funeral parlours
Auditorium size, rental range, quiet floor arrangements, and the differences between hospital-based funerals and farewell ceremonies.
Coffin
Comparison of Chinese-style, Western-style and environmentally friendly coffins, with cremation size guidelines and statutory requirements of Chapter 132M.
burial clothing and quilts
Things to note about the number of pieces, styles and cremation specifications for men and women.
Various religious ceremonies
Arrangements for Catholic Memorial Mass, Christian Restoration Service and Non-Religious Farewell Service.
Columbarium Niches and Cemeteries
The enthronement ceremony of the superior, and the impact of the incense-forbidden site on future worship services.
Taoist Buddhist Ritual FAQs
How much does a Taoist or Buddhist funeral package cost, and what does it include?
Taoist and Buddhist services start at HK$8,800, with 25 items: a standard coffin, silk lining, hearse transfer, an embroidered soft pillow, a descendants’ quilt, premium Chinese burial clothing, a ritual travel pass, hemp mourning clothes, a condolence register and funeral return gifts, mourning lamps and hats or staffs, a white cloth funeral inscription, a paper spirit banner and tablet, gold and silver beads and a ritual mouthpiece, a complete set of offerings, a complete set of ceremonial candles, an enlarged portrait with frame, a ritual master to open the way and convey symbolic wealth, payment of miscellaneous expenses, a professional funeral attendant, a funeral hearse, one coach, a pair of longevity lamps at the head and feet, assistance with the death certificate, six Taoist ritual masters and a full set of paper offerings including furnace hire, and a mourning hall. Enquiries: 82099774, Mr Wu.
What does “daai zaai” mean?
In Hong Kong, “daai zaai” refers collectively to Taoist funeral rites for the deliverance of the deceased, led by Taoist ritual masters. A series of rites seeks to guide the departed soul. These usually include opening the way, conveying symbolic wealth, Breaking the Hell Gate, the Journey through the Ten Courts, the Lotus Seat ritual, carrying the spirit banner and fetching water, crossing the Gold and Silver Bridges, burning offerings and the final farewell. The sessions and elements depend on family traditions and the ritual lineage of the appointed masters.
What is "Breaking the Hell Gate ritual"? Is it an intangible cultural heritage?
Breaking the Hell Gate symbolises opening the gates of the underworld and guiding the departed soul away from suffering. More precisely, it is one component of Hong Kong’s intangible cultural heritage item ‘Traditional funeral rituals’, rather than a separately listed item. The first Hong Kong intangible cultural heritage inventory lists these rituals as item 3.54, covering deathbed chanting, Breaking the Hell Gate, buying water, placing the deceased in the coffin, conveying symbolic wealth, the final farewell, and post-funeral meals known as ying hung yin and gai wai jau. The ritual also appears in various local Yu Lan Festival ceremonies.
What is the relationship between Taoist rituals and Hong Kong’s intangible cultural heritage?
Close relationship. The Leisure and Cultural Services Department announced on August 14, 2017 the first "Hong Kong Intangible Cultural Heritage Representative List" with a total of 20 items , including " Orthodox Taoist Ritual Tradition " and " Paper Crafting Techniques "; " Quanzhen Taoist Hall Ritual Music " is one of the local projects included in the national list of representative intangible cultural heritage projects. In addition, "traditional funeral rituals" (No. 3.54) are included in the intangible cultural heritage list. A complete Taoist funeral involves a number of intangible cultural heritages recognized by the government.
What are “opening the way” and “conveying symbolic wealth”?
" Opening the Road " is the starting point of the ritual. Taoist ritual masters chant sutras to lead the way, open the passage to the netherworld for the dead souls and inform the gods. " Fortune " is sending money and silk to the deceased, symbolizing having no worries about food and clothing. The two items are the "Master Opens the Road to Luck Wealth" item in the package; "Luck Wealth" is also included in the "Traditional Funeral Ceremony" (No. 3.54) on the Intangible Cultural Heritage List .
What is carrying the spirit banner and fetching water, and who performs it?
" Buying Water " is included in the Intangible Cultural Heritage List "Traditional Funeral Ceremony" (No. 3.54). Generally, the filial son or the eldest son holds a spiritual flag (i.e. "carrying flag"), and is led by Taoist ritual masters to fetch water, symbolizing the cleansing of the deceased's body . Modern funeral parlours are often performed in symbolic form. Which family member actually takes charge depends on the seniority of the family and the instructions of the master.
What are the Journey through the Ten Courts and the Lotus Seat ritual?
" Traveling through ten halls " symbolizes leading the dead souls through the ten halls of the underworld one by one, accepting scrutiny and resolving their sins; " Sitting on a lotus " symbolizes the dead souls being able to sit on the lotus platform and be reborn in a good place . Both are larger links, requires more time and more masters, which will directly affect the charges . The names and practices of each altar are slightly different.
What does "Crossing the Gold and Silver Bridge" mean?
There are one gold bridge and one silver bridge. Crossing the gold and silver bridge means that the deceased leaves the world and enters the stage of immortality . The bereaved family holds a spiritual flag (divided into with the recommended spiritual place and with the recommended spiritual place ), and under the guidance of the master follows the deceased soul across the Naihe Bridge , symbolizing leaving relatives and friends after crossing the bridge and ascending to immortality. Golden Bridge, Silver Bridge and Civilization Bridge are all part of a full set of paper offerings.
When is the final farewell performed?
It is usually carried out in the morning of the funeral procession and after the coffin is sealed . Family members and relatives and friends pay the last salute to the deceased, followed by the funeral procession. Also included in the Intangible Cultural Heritage List "Traditional Funeral Ceremonies" (No. 3.54). The time of this step must be strictly controlled to match the scheduled cremation time.
Why are six Taoist ritual masters needed?
There are many highly recommended rituals in Taoism, including chanting, percussion (gong, drums and cymbals), main subjects and coordinated movements . Multiple masters need to divide the work and perform at the same time to fully perform the entire set of rituals. The package list states "6 masters and a full set of paper offerings with furnace rental", which is a common complete configuration. The number of masters is one of the main factors affecting fees.
What affects the cost of religious rites?
Five factors: 1. The number of Taoist ritual masters or Buddhist officiants; 2. The number of ritual sessions (opening the way alone, or the full sequence including Breaking the Hell Gate, the Journey through the Ten Courts and the Lotus Seat ritual); 3. Total ritual hours; 4. Whether major rites such as Breaking the Hell Gate are included; and 5. The scale and quantity of paper offerings. Charges for burning offerings vary between funeral parlours, generally from just over HK$1,000 to several thousand dollars. Require these items to be specified in writing before booking.
What are the differences between Buddhist rituals and Taoist rituals?
Taoism Taoist ritual masters preside over super-recommended rituals (opening roads, bringing wealth, Breaking the Hell Gate ritual, traveling through ten halls, sitting on lotus flowers, crossing bridges), with gongs and drums and percussion , and a large amount of paper offerings. Buddhism is mainly based on the master chanting sutras, worshiping, making offerings, and dedicating . The Amitabha Sutra and the Rebirth Mantra are often recited. The atmosphere is relatively calm , and paper offerings are relatively simple (Lotus seat, money for rebirth), post-funeral meals are often arranged and vegetarian .
How should we choose if the deceased had no particular faith?
It can be decided by family tradition . Even if the deceased has no clear faith, many families still follow the tradition and adopt the Taoist form, which is "regular and complete"; some also choose Buddhism chanting sutras, which is quiet and solemn; if the family has different opinions, they can choose a non-religious farewell ceremony , mainly focusing on life reviews, flowers and sharing with relatives and friends. There is no distinction between the three.
When do rituals usually take place? How long will it last?
It is most commonly performed on the night of setting up the mourning hall . The process is: decorating the mourning hall in the afternoon → enclosing and paying respects in the evening → ritual ceremony in the evening → relatives and friends paying tribute → family members the vigil → the funeral procession after the coffin is sealed and the coffin is said in the morning of the next day. The duration of the ritual service ranges from two or three hours to all night , depending on the number of sessions and sessions. The entire timeline must be worked backwards from to the assigned cremation period .
What should family members do during the memorial service?
Wear hemp mourning clothes , hold filial piety hat or filial stick , have your filial son or designated family member carry a streamer to buy water , follow the master's instructions kneel down, offer incense and cross the bridge , participate burning paper offerings , the vigil . The package package includes linen mourning clothes and mourning lamps, mourning hats or mourning sticks. The funeral attendant and master will provide step-by-step instructions on site, and family members do not need to recite it in advance.
What does a funeral attendant do?
The funeral attendant acts as master of ceremonies in the mourning hall, coordinating the evening, guiding mourners, announcing names, showing relatives where to stand and kneel, keeping to time and liaising with ritual masters, parlour staff and the family. A professional funeral attendant is included in the package. An experienced attendant helps the ceremony proceed smoothly and with dignity, and offers vital support when the family is overwhelmed.
What are the ritual travel pass, gold and silver beads and mouthpiece, and longevity lamps?
The ritual travel pass symbolises a document permitting passage through the underworld. Gold and silver beads and the ritual mouthpiece are symbolic items placed in the coffin, representing prosperity on the journey. A pair of longevity lamps at the head and feet is placed at the ends of the coffin to light and guide the deceased’s way. All three are included in the package. All items placed in the coffin must comply with FEHD cremation requirements; metal and plastic components should be avoided.
What is the meaning of "descendants quilt" and "embroidered soft pillow"?
" Descendants Quilt " is presented by the descendants to cover the deceased, symbolizing the reproduction of descendants and blessing future generations ; " Embroidered Soft Pillow " allows the deceased to rest on his pillow. Together with " Silk Mounting " (mounted inside the coffin) and " Chinese Super Burial Clothing ", they form the overall burial configuration. According to the custom , even numbers for men and odd numbers for women are required to have at least six pieces of burial clothing and at least seven pieces for women.
Are the rites noisy, and can quieter arrangements be made?
Taoist rituals are equipped with gongs, drums, cymbals and other percussion instruments , which are loud and are part of the ritual. If you want more tranquility, you can consider the Buddhist chanting format, or choose a smaller Taoist ritual. In addition, Kowloon Funeral Parlour has a unique silent floor on the 3rd floor, which is suitable for Christians, Catholics and non-religious people.
Do incense-free columbaria affect the rites?
Rites on the funeral day take place at the funeral parlour or hospital and are unaffected by a columbarium’s incense ban. However, later niche interment and consecration ceremonies, and annual Ching Ming and Chung Yeung visits, are affected: incense-free areas have no facilities for burning incense, candles or offerings, so use flowers and fruit instead. Shek Mun Columbarium is entirely incense-free, as are all new niches in BMCPC’s Tseung Kwan O Section A39 and Shung Hau Hall. Consider this when choosing a niche.
Are paper offerings an integral part of Taoist funeral rites?
Yes, paper offerings are inseparable from Taoist rituals . Paper offerings are not decorations, but physical symbols in the ritual process : cranes and willow flags guide the way, bathing rooms for purification, looking back at the home terrace, gold and silver bridges transitioning to immortality, and gold and silver mountains and mansions and gardens representing wealth and residence. The package package includes "6 masters and a full set of paper offerings with furnace rental". Please note that funeral parlours usually charge extra for cremation offerings .
Are further rites performed after the funeral?
Traditionally there are: The first seven, the second seven to the last seven (seven seven, forty-nine days), the hundred days, the opposite year (the first death anniversary) and the death anniversary every year thereafter. However, the practice of modern funerals is completed by the master in one go at the funeral parlour , including the filial piety, the first seven and the last seven, and the Breaking the Hell Gate ritual . The family members do not need to hold it multiple times. There are other festivals such as Qingming Festival, Double Ninth Festival and Yu Lan in the seventh month of the lunar calendar.
Is it possible to perform simple rituals due to financial constraints?
Yes. The scale of the rites can be adjusted to your budget. Fewer ritual masters, sessions or elements can still provide a complete, dignified ceremony. For CSSA recipients, our concessionary funeral services from HK$8,800 include Taoist ritual masters or other ceremony arrangements and incense and offerings for Taoist rites, or other ceremonial supplies. A separate SWD burial grant of up to HK$17,870 in 2026 may be requested within six months of death.
How can I enquire about funeral rites?
Enquiries: Mr Wu on 82099774. Telephone (24 hours): 82099774; WhatsApp: 62384028; email: timfatfuneral@gmail.com; fax: 3599 9637. Address: G/F, 26 Baker Street, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong, Kowloon. We provide a written, itemised list of the number of ritual masters, sessions, ceremonial stages and paper offerings so the family can check everything before deciding.
Just ask if you don't know, don't feel embarrassed
Every aspect of the ritual has its meaning. You have the right to know what you pay and what you do. We are happy to explain everything step by step, and we will not send you away with "just do it".
Tim Fat Funeral is FEHD licensed undertaker . The store address is G/F, 26 Baker Street, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong . It is within walking distance of the three funeral parlours of the Universal, International and Global Funeral Parlours. Serving Hung Hom, To Kwa Wan, Kowloon City, Ho Man Tin, Whampoa, Yau Tsim Mong, Sham Shui Po and Wong Tai Sin areas, and also undertakes cases from all districts in Hong Kong and cross-border cases. Mr Wu is available 24 hours a day.
Contact method: Inquiry 82099774 Mr Wu Telephone (24 hours) 82099774 WhatsApp 62384028 Email timfatfuneral@gmail.com ·Fax 3599 9637·Address: G/F, 26 Baker Street, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong. For transportation details, please see and contact us .
Quick tour of related pages
- Overview of posthumous affairs process
- Service scope
- Various religious ceremonies
- A Complete Guide to Paper Offerings
- A Wake at a Funeral Parlour
- Coffin
- burial clothing
- List of materials
- Columbarium Niches and Cemeteries
- New Niche Allocation
- Private columbarium niche
- Exhumation and Cemetery Arrangements
- Funeral Assistance for CSSA Recipients
- Repatriation of Remains
- FAQ 82 questions
- latest news
- Contact us
- Site Map
The intangible cultural heritage information on this page is compiled from the Leisure and Cultural Services Department's "Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Hong Kong" (announced in 2017, 20 items in total, including orthodox Taoist ritual traditions and tying techniques), "Inventory of Hong Kong Intangible Cultural Heritage" (traditional funeral rituals, No. 3.54) and related local items in the national list of representative intangible cultural heritage items; government fees and cremation regulations are quoted from the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) "Schedule of Charges for Cemeteries and Crematoria Services", Cremation Coffin Code and Cremation and Gardens of Remembrance Regulation (Chapter 132M); Hall rentals refer to the Consumer Council's Funeral Services Survey; CSSA burial grant is quoted from the Social Welfare Department (SWD) CSSA Guidelines. The names and practices of rituals vary slightly among various temples and regions. The actual arrangement is subject to the officiating master's arrangement; the package content and charges are subject to the written list. This page was last edited: September 2026.