Laotian Funeral Traditions

Laotian Funeral Traditions

One of the reasons so many Corona and Riverside families come to Thomas Miller Mortuary & Crematory with their funeral, burial, and cremation needs is because they know we have expansive knowledge of different cultures and religions. After losing a loved one, a family deserves to have their customs, rituals, and traditions honored. They deserve peace of mind that, no matter their beliefs, their wishes will be accommodated. Our professional staff realizes how important it is to plan a farewell that reflects a person’s faith and cultural background, and has the pleasure of serving our diverse community every day.

For our Laotian friends and neighbors, many of whom are Theravada Buddhist’s, this means respecting the customs and rituals Laotians have adhered to for thousands of years. While some Laotian funerals are simple, solemn, and dignified, others are filled with food and drink, laughter and song.

Laotians believe in reincarnation, and that the spirits in the scattered cremated remains will rise to heaven. Prior to cremation, the family will wash their loved one in a bathing ceremony, keeping them at home for one to three days before the funeral. This allows loved ones time to pay their respects and offer support to the family.

A procession, led by Buddhist monks, nuns, family members, the hearse carrying the casket, and friends, takes place just before the funeral. Males who were close to the deceased shave their heads and eyebrows, and don monks’ robes while women put their hair up and wear all white. These rituals are believed to push the deceased closer to heaven and give them added luck and happiness in their next life. The funeral itself is typically led by monks, with specific songs and prayers (there is no other music, singing, or dancing during the funeral).