Funeral Hymns in Singapore: A Reflection of Diverse Religious Traditions

Christian funerals in Singapore, both Protestant and Catholic, often feature hymns as central elements of the service. These hymns express the belief in eternal life, hope, and divine comfort.

‍

Popular Christian Funeral Hymns:

• "Amazing Grace": This well-known hymn is often sung to emphasize God's grace and mercy, bringing solace to the family of the deceased.
• "Abide with Me": Frequently used in funerals, this hymn focuses on the hope of God’s presence in times of sorrow and transition.
• "How Great Thou Art": Celebrating God's greatness, this hymn is often sung to express trust in divine guidance even in times of grief.

‍

Hymns are typically selected by the family or the church pastor, and the choice may depend on the personal preferences of the deceased or their family members.

Catholic funerals in Singapore follow the traditions of the Roman Catholic Church, which includes a specific set of hymns sung during the Funeral Mass or Requiem Mass. These hymns reflect the themes of faith in eternal life, prayers for the soul of the deceased, and God’s mercy.

‍

Common Catholic Funeral Hymns:

• "The Lord is My Shepherd" (Psalm 23): Often sung at Catholic funerals, this hymn expresses trust in God’s guidance even through the “valley of the shadow of death.”
• "Ave Maria": This solemn hymn dedicated to the Virgin Mary is commonly chosen in Catholic funeral rites to seek Mary’s intercession for the deceased.
• "On Eagle’s Wings": Frequently chosen for its comforting message that God will raise the deceased on eagles' wings, signifying eternal life.

‍

Catholic hymns are typically accompanied by organ or piano, adding a spiritual ambiance to the service.

While not exactly hymns, Buddhist funerals in Singapore incorporate chanting rather than traditional Western-style hymns. Buddhist chanting is an essential practice aimed at helping the soul of the deceased transition to the next life and for the merit of the departed.

‍

Key Buddhist Chants:

• "Namo Amituofo": This chant is used by family and monks during the service, asking Amitabha Buddha to guide the deceased to the Pure Land, a place of rebirth.
• Sutra Recitations: Depending on the Buddhist sect, various sutras, such as the Heart Sutra, may be chanted as part of the funeral ceremony to invoke blessings for the deceased’s soul.

‍

Unlike hymns, the chants are typically done in monotone, often accompanied by the rhythmic striking of a bell or drum.

‍

Taoist funerals in Singapore also rely heavily on chanting, which is led by Taoist priests to ensure that the deceased’s soul finds peace and guidance in the afterlife. The chants in Taoism focus on guiding the soul through the spirit world and helping the family show filial piety.

‍

Traditional Taoist Chants:

• Priestly Chanting: Taoist priests chant scriptures and mantras during various rites of the funeral, invoking deities to protect the deceased's soul.
• Family-Led Chanting: In some cases, family members participate in chanting or engage in silent prayers to honor their ancestors.

‍

These chants, similar to those in Buddhism, serve a religious function rather than providing comfort through lyrics as in Christian hymns.

In Hindu funerals, mantras and bhajans (devotional songs) are often sung as a form of prayer and worship during the rites. These hymns focus on the soul’s journey toward liberation and the transition from the material world to the spiritual realm.

‍

Common Hindu Funeral Hymns:

• "Om Namah Shivaya": A popular mantra dedicated to Lord Shiva, the god of destruction and transformation, symbolizing the soul’s journey after death.
• "Raghupati Raghava Raja Ram": A devotional song often played at funerals, invoking the blessings of Lord Rama for the deceased’s soul.

‍

Bhajans are usually played quietly in the background, offering spiritual solace to the grieving family and friends.

‍

Soka Gakkai, a form of Nichiren Buddhism, includes chants from the Lotus Sutra at funerals. Chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo, a central practice in Soka Gakkai, expresses faith in the potential for enlightenment and peace in the afterlife.

‍

Soka Gakkai Chanting:

• "Nam-myoho-renge-kyo": The primary chant used in all Soka Gakkai rituals, including funerals. This chant is believed to enable the deceased to attain enlightenment and peace.

‍

Soka Gakkai funerals are more focused on chanting than musical hymns, with the community coming together to chant for the benefit of the deceased.

In Islamic funerals, hymns are not part of the tradition. Instead, verses from the Qur’an are recited as part of the funeral prayer and burial rites. These verses focus on seeking mercy for the deceased and praying for their soul’s peace in the afterlife.

‍

Common Islamic Funeral Recitations:

• "Surah Al-Fatiha": The opening chapter of the Qur’an, which is recited as a prayer for the deceased’s soul.
• "Surah Yasin": Often recited at funerals, this chapter is believed to ease the soul’s journey and bring peace.

‍

Islamic funerals are generally solemn, with a focus on quiet reflection, prayer, and Qur'anic recitations rather than musical elements.

Funeral hymns, chants, and recitations serve different purposes depending on the religious context, from offering comfort to guiding the soul to the afterlife. In Singapore, a multicultural society, it is essential to be aware of the specific customs of each religion when attending a funeral. Whether it's the uplifting hymns of Christian and Catholic services, the meditative chants in Buddhist and Taoist rituals, or the solemn recitations of the Qur’an in Muslim funerals, each tradition provides a meaningful way to honor the deceased and provide solace to the grieving.

Understanding these customs helps attendees show proper respect and participate in a manner that honors the deceased’s beliefs and values