What to Wear to a Chinese Funeral
White and muted colours rather than bright ones, and no red. Practice varies a great deal by family, region and religion, so ask if you can.
- Guests
- Dark or muted clothing — black, navy, grey or white are all commonly acceptable for guests. Plain and modest.
- The one hard rule
- No red, and nothing bright. Red is the colour of celebration and is genuinely out of place.
- The family
- Immediate family may wear white or specific mourning garments provided by the funeral home. Guests do not need to.
- If in doubt
- Ask whoever invited you. Buddhist, Taoist, Christian and non-religious Chinese funerals differ from each other considerably.
What often happens
- 1
There may be a wake over one or more evenings, with guests visiting to pay respects.
- 2
Guests commonly bow before the casket or a portrait. Follow the person in front of you.
- 3
White envelopes containing money (bai jin) are a common condolence gift where red envelopes are for happy occasions. Ask whether it is expected.
Small courtesies
- 4
Accept anything handed to you as you leave — a sweet, a coin, a red thread — and follow whatever instruction comes with it.
- 5
Keep phones away and do not photograph the casket or the altar.
Questions people actually ask
What colour do you wear to a Chinese funeral?
White, black, navy or grey — muted, plain and modest. Never red, and never anything bright.