What Color Should I Wear to a Chinese Funeral?
Colors worn at a Chinese funeral are based on your relation to the deceased. Many colors are acceptable attire at a Chinese funeral, except for the color red. Red is symbolic of harmony and happiness in Chinese culture.
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The Corpse
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The corpse at a Chinese funeral is typically dressed in white, black, brown or blue. The corpse is never dressed in red because -- according to Chinese belief -- red clothing turns the deceased into a ghost. The corpse's face is covered with a yellow cloth, and the body with a light-blue cloth.
The Immediate Family
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The immediate family dresses alike if the deceased was a son. If the deceased was a wife or child, the family wears black as a sign of greatest grief. Grandchildren of the deceased wear blue clothing, and great-grandchildren wear light-blue clothing. Dark blue is the color for other relatives in the family, such as aunts, uncles and cousins.
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Other Family Members
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Brothers-in-law of the family -- and friends of the family -- wear white. This color symbolizes that they are not part of the family. White is a color of purity in Chinese culture, and is intended to show respect.
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References
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- Photo Credit chinese bridge image by Luisafer from Fotolia.com
