Sharing of meals at funerals When a person expires, close relatives and friends usually join the bereaved family in sharing of meal, before the burial in the sense of solidarity. There is no formal invitation, request to be present. The decision of the participants depends on intimate personal relationship or family ties. The neigbhbours volunteer to prepare the menu, while the members of the family sit around the dead body. This custom can be traced to the fact, that far of relatives had to tread long distances and naturally some arrangement had to be made for their comfort. The dishes include vegetables, rice and curry, fish and one meat dish sometimes. No alcoholic drinks are served .This tradition also helped the bereaved family not to be bothered about their food needs before the funeral. Sometimes, gift, sponsorship of food items is a matter of routine and good will. Often people cannot digest the idea of participating in funeral meal with the body still in the house and will resist all attempts to persuade them to be present. Today the number of such people sharing the pre funeral meal is very much restricted and is just a handful. With the transport facilities and owning of vehicles the mourners can be in time for the funeral ceremony. If the distances from the residences are considerable, transport to and fro from the residences are also arranged.
In some families elaborate meals are being arranged after the funeral services, if they are held in the morning. The atmosphere of sharing in such cases is much relaxed and conducive, Food is also being ordered from caterers, thus avoiding the commotion in the funeral home As the mourners arrive early in the afternoon tea is being served to all, since many will not come back for a prayer service after burial. But many tend to refuse it politely. There is a tradition to serve beverage after the funeral services. The time factor and other busy schedules are changing the old traditions. At the months mind service or on the death anniversary close friends and relatives are personally invited to share the meal with the mourning family. These preparations are very elaborate and alcoholic drinks may also be on the menu. The atmosphere is very much relaxed. To make it convenient for those who attend anniversary mass snacks and tea is served in close proximity to the cemetery and participants have to be coaxed to accept The Chinese have different food ceremonies, gestures of paying final respects to the loved ones. It is the essence of Chinese life and culture. It begins with the moment the person dies. They believe it establishes family ties. The Chinese refrain fro eating meat. There is another view, that the death ends the known personality of the person and hence calls for rejoicing. Whereas, a new born life is uncertain as to how it will finally unfold Nelson Lopes Chinchinim
