IM DEEPLY SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS HOW TO

IM DEEPLY SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS HOW TO

Saying “I’m Sorry for Your Lost”: How to Give Condolences in Japanese? The lifting of bones needs to be done in a correct order that starts with the teeth, then the bones from the feet up to the head, and is finished with the larynx (throat bone). A special pair of long chopsticks are used, and the lifting of bones is usually done by 2 people together. Cremation is called kasou (火葬 ) in Japanese cremation is the most common choice these days with more people opting for cremation over burial.Īfter the cremation is completed, a ceremony to collect the remaining bones is done. It is a very private and personal affair for the bereaved family so be considerate. Note that attendance is usually limited to the deceased’s family unless special permission is given to other guests. Sending the Deceased OffĪfter the funeral service, it is time to say goodbye to the deceased in a farewell ceremony. Christian funerals are also held depending on the deceased’s faith. In Buddhist funerals, monks recite sutras and incense is burned. Buddhist funerals are the most common in Japan as it shares many similarities with Shinto funerals. Religion is strongly reflected in funeral ceremonies. Both words actually have slightly different meanings but are used interchangeably these days. Funerals are called お葬式 (osoushiki) or お葬儀 (osougi). The day after the wake is when the funeral service is held. Burning the incense is called shoukou (焼香). Sometimes, there will be a sutra chanting called dokkyou (読経) performed by the monk. Originally, the wake is held overnight as mourners accompanied the deceased for one final night together but nowadays it only lasts a few hours.ĭuring the wake, mourners offer incense senkou (線香) and flowers to the deceased, as well as have a final meal of food and alcohol with the deceased, usually of vegetarian food as per Buddhist customs. A wake is called お通夜 (otsuya) in Japanese which can also translate to “overnight”. The wake is usually held at the deceased’s family home or a funeral parlor on the night before the funeral.

The Wake Before the Funeralįunerals in Japan typically begin with the wake, which is a time for friends and family to pay their respects to the deceased and offer condolences to the bereaved. Let us look at each in further detail below.

How to Express Condolences in Japanese Funeralįunerals in Japan consist of a wake, the funeral service and the cremation or burial after the funeral service.

We also briefly explain the memorial service and death anniversary that follows a funeral. In this episode, I explore some of the reasons why I have an advanced dislike for the phrases, “sorry for your loss” and “my condolences.'“ I am also going to give you some alternative responses for when someone you love or even someone you barely know is dealing with death.In this article, we explain Japan’s funeral customs and traditions, the process of funeral service in Japan, and how to express condolences in Japanese. As I skimmed the comments, my heart sank a little as I remembered the moment I had to inform my extended family, that’s you out there on the Internet, that my mom had passed away. Out of 600+ comments, about 80% read, “Sorry for your loss” or “My condolences” (I really think that “my condolences” should be reserved for funeral home staff but I digress). I went to go and leave a comment but I peeked at the comments first (read: nosey lol). The post was actually a beautiful tribute to a love they held close that we never knew but could feel the strength through the words in the post.

The post shared the news of their mother’s death. I was on Facebook a few weeks ago and I read a post from an acquaintance.

Im deeply sorry for your loss