Buddhist funeral ceremonies are a standard in East Asian countries. The traditions and services at these funerals vary by culture. However, they do share some common traits.

The funeral service usually includes a wake. This may or may not take place at the home of the deceased. As per most Western style funerals, sympathy flowers are normally sent before the service in order for them to be displayed appropriately. What is appropriate in this context will depend more upon the deceased’s cultural background. Likewise, what are considered suitable sympathy arrangements from those attending the service will depend upon their connection to the deceased.

The sympathy flowers at a Buddhist service are normally white or of a light, pale colour. For example, the following are the kinds of flowers one would typically see at a Japanese Buddhist funeral: chrysanthemums, orchids, carnations and lilies. Chrysanthemums, in particular, are the most traditional and common type of sympathy flower.

The flowers are typically arranged as casket sprays, wreaths and tributes. The casket may or may not be open. Larger arrangements of standing sprays, wreaths and tributes are often sent from groups or companies with whom the deceased was well connected to.

After the wake, the deceased is then taken away for cremation. This is probably one of the most important moments during the funeral, aside from the wake. In some cases, this can take the form of a procession.

Greater variations by culture occur in terms of the mourning period itself. In some cases, the mourning is done for a number of days afterward. In others, it may be held on a specific day or days after the funeral and/or the anniversary of the funeral itself. You will likely need to inquire from others as to when the bereaved will be accepting sympathy flowers during this mourning period.