ABSTRACT
In this chapter, I present an analytical narrative of the funeral rituals, giving an account of both form and process and discussing the meaning of each ritual. This description begins with the preparation for death, followed by the treatment of the corpse, the daily rituals conducted at the funeral, the important final night rituals and, finally, the burial. It also examines the popular practice in Singapore of cremating the dead. My intention is to present a coherent picture of the different death rituals and procedures, but it must be kept in mind that there is no single way of performing and interpreting the rituals. Variations can be observed but, for reasons of coherence and clarity, I will describe a single funeral which I observed and in which I participated. Variations in ritual performance and their significance will be dealt with later in the chapter.
