How life and death are treated varies by what religious belief
you hold within Penang. It is actually really difficult to find cultural
symbols in Penang. It is because of the diversity that the selection of an
official symbol for anything has been difficult. There are varied symbols
mostly Muslim and Buddhist but nothing singular. The culture actually uses
natural icons, such as the hibiscus flower over symbols.
It is because of its varied religious background that I will
focus only on the two major religions of this country. Though Buddhism (36%) is
consider the main religion of those living in Penang it is second behind Islam
(45%) which is considered the official religion of Penang. Many people of
Chinese decent celebrate what is call Tomb Sweeping or Ching Ming. Though there
are many religious beliefs in dealing with death one thing is common the is a
large amount of support from the community and lots of prayer.
The symbol of both life and death for Buddhism is the wheel.
Buddhist believe that we are born, die, and then are born again, completing a
continuous circle or wheel.
Buddhist practices for funeral services motivate individuals
to talk about death by encouraging family members to preplan for death and
funeral arrangements.. Buddhist funerals are also said to be practical and not
overly flashy. Money is usually donated to a charity of the deceased. Offerings
are made to the deceased with flowers, fruits, joss paper, old clothing.
Buddhist embrace death to the point that children are encouraged to help clean
and prepare the body before it is laid to rest, this is called filial piety.
The body is then taken to a quiet hall, where an altar is set up with a portrait
of the deceased and an image of Buddha. These funerals usually last for about 3
days through the nights. Bodies are usually cremated after the service and
spread across nature. Final respects are given by bowing at the altar. Buddhist
also believe that there is a rebirth/reincarnation after the body dies and
positive meditation by family members and monks helps loved ones to be reborn
in a better life. Sometimes the family wears white but black is also
acceptable. Incenses are also burned to make the air smell sweet.
The most common symbol of Islam is the star and crescent
moon. There are really no other symbols that represent life or death outside of
this symbol.
Muslims burial wastes no time as it should be as close to
the time of death as possible. The body is called jenazah and should always be
handled with care. The body is then washed but can only be washed by family members
of the same sex and covered (those body parts that should be hidden are covered
first). Once bathed the body is covered in a white cloth called kafan and then
taken to the mosque to be prayed over. The body is covered again with batik
cloth. Once prayer is over the jenazah is taken to be buried directly into the
ground without a casket. There is no option for cremation as this is forbidden.
The grave is aligned perpendicular to the direction of Mecca. Once in the grave
three soil balls are placed in the grave by a male next of kin. At the end of
the ceremony a wood grave stone is place temporarily until a stone one is
created. Loud wailing is prohibited. The weeks following the ceremony have
various religious devotions and family and friends visiting the family to pay
their respects. Those friends and family also donate their money to charities
and funeral expenses.
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