Why Is an Ancestor Tablet Necessary for Funeral Planning in Singapore?

If you want to honor a family member who has died in Singapore in a unique and memorable way, you might want to use an ancestral tablet in funeral planning. This strange custom comes from the Chinese belief that the dead should be remembered and respected after death. During the burial ceremonies, an ancestral tablet with the names of the dead is put on an altar. They are then returned to the family after the funeral, when they may be maintained at home or buried with the dead. Not only is this tradition a lovely way to remember your ancestors, but it also helps you keep their memory alive in your heart and home.

What Exactly Are Ancient Tablets?

1. Ancestral tablets, which are also called “soul tablets” or “spirit tablets,” are an important part of traditional Chinese funerals and ancestor worship. Typically, the tablet is a wooden plaque with the deceased’s name written in Chinese characters. The tablet is then put on an altar or in a shrine to commemorate ancestors and invite their spirits to family reunions.
2. There are many different beliefs about ancestral tablets, but they all center on the idea that the tablet keeps the ancestor’s spirit close to the family. Some people believe that the tablet lets the ancestor reincarnate and come back to the family in the future. In other instances, it is simply seen as a means to respect and remember the deceased.
3. Whether or not you believe that ancestral tablets have spiritual power, you can’t argue with how important they are in Chinese culture. If the person who died was Chinese, his or her family may ask that an ancestral tablet be included in the funeral arrangements.

How Should the Ancestral Tablet Be Placed in a Funeral Arrangement?

1. It is truly a matter of personal opinion as to where the ancestral tablet should be placed during a burial service. But there are a few simple rules that can be followed to make sure the tablet is put in a way that is respectful and meaningful.
2. The first thing to do is make sure that the tablet is in a visible place. This indicates that it should not be concealed or put in a secret position. Since the ancestral tablet is a sign of respect for our ancestors, it should be placed in a prominent place at the funeral.
3. The ancestral tablet is often placed on an altar or table in the front of the room. This enables everyone who enters the room to see and appreciate the tablet. The tablet may also be placed on the floor in front of the coffin, generally among other gifts such as fruits and flowers.
4. Lastly, it is essential to secure the tablet so that it does not fall or get damaged. This requires setting it on a stable surface or using a stand or holder. During a burial service, the ancestral tablet can be a beautiful and meaningful way to remember our ancestors if it is taken care of and put in the right place.

What Is the Use of a Genealogical Tablet?

1. Ancestral tablets are often used at Chinese funerals as a way to honor and remember the dead. People of Chinese descent are not the only ones who can use an ancestral tablet at a funeral. Anyone who wants a physical reminder of their dead loved ones can do so.
2. There are many reasons why someone might want to use an ancestral tablet when getting ready for a funeral. For others, this is only a question of custom. For others, it’s a way to make sure their loved ones are remembered and respected the way they should be.
3. There is no doubt that ancestral tablets are a good addition to any funeral, no matter the reason. If you are thinking of hiring a funeral director to help you plan your own funeral, you should talk to them about this option.

Forms of Ancient Tablets

There are two main types of ancestral tablets in Singapore. These are the Qingping tablet and the Ding tablet.  It has a longer inscription than the Qingping and often has information about the dead person’s ancestors.

The tablet of Qingping is rectangular with a rounded top. It is often constructed of wood and inscribed with the deceased’s name, birth and death dates, and a brief prayer or quote. The Ding is a sort of tablet that is often made of jade or stone and may be adorned with carvings or other artwork. It has a longer inscription than the Qingping and often has information about the dead person’s ancestors.

How to Select a Genealogy Tablet

1. When choosing an ancestral tablet for a funeral service in Singapore, there are a number of things to think about. The size of the tablet should correspond to that of the urn or coffin. The tablet’s material should be sturdy and resistant to the elements. Lastly, the tablet’s inscription should be relevant and personal.
2. Ancestral tablets range in size from small to large.  The size of the coffin or urn will determine the size of the casket. If uncertain, it is prudent to err on the side of caution and choose the bigger size.
3. Also essential to evaluate is the ancestor tablet’s material composition. Stone tablets last a long time and can’t be damaged by the weather, but they are heavy and hard to move. Wood tablets are lighter and more portable, but they are not as sturdy and may not endure severe weather. The choice of material will ultimately depend on personal desire and budget.
4. Perhaps the most essential consideration is the inscription on the ancestral plaque. Here is where you can really personalize and enrich the tablet. The inscription might range from a basic name and birth or death date to a lengthy poem or quotation. Before picking an inscription, carefully consider what you want to convey.

Conclusion

In Singapore, ancestral tablets are an integral element of funeral arrangements Singapore. It aids in remembering the departed and connecting the family to their ancestors. Additionally, it acts as a reminder of our own mortality.

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