What do Japanese say when someone dies?
If someone actually died, the standard ご愁傷様です (goshuushousama desu) is equivalent to, “I am sorry for your loss.” If something unfortunate happened to someone, but no one is dead, I generally go with お気の毒です (okino doku desu).
What is koden?
Both in Japan and in Japanese American communities, and both Buddhist and Christian, the tradition of “koden” or “okoden” is observed. That’s a monetary gift given in envelopes to the bereaved family.
How much is koden?
A guideline of ‘koden’ amount In general, the rule of thumb is: when the deceased is a parent it will be 50,000-100,000yen, for a sibling 30,000-50,000yen, for a grand parent 10,000-50,000yen, for other relative 5,000-10,000yen and for a friend, an acquaintance and a colleague 3,000-5,000yen.
How do the Japanese bury their dead?
Compared to the majority of western nations, Japan usually cremates their dead instead of putting them in the ground. In a Japanese style cremation, the coffin is placed on a tray in the crematorium. The family then witnesses the sliding of the body into the cremation chamber, scarring small children for life.
What do you say at a funeral in Japan?
The following are general phrases to offer condolences at a Japanese funeral or wake: – Goshuushou-sama desu (You must be grieving terribly.) This can be used no matter your relationship to the person. – O-kuyami moushiagemasu (I offer my condolences.)
What is a Shinto funeral?
Shinto funerals, when they occur, are called Sosai, and are largely developed from Buddhist funeral rites. The funerals are usually conducted by lay people not priests (because the contact with death would be too polluting for priests) and do not take place in shrines.
What is Otsuya?
Otsuya – Wake Ceremony The Otsuya is very similar to the wake ceremony in many Western countries and is a time when family, relatives, and close friends gather to say their goodbyes to the dead. In this ceremony, the bereaved gather and spend a period of time in the same location as the body of the departed.
What is a wake in Japan?
Held as soon as possible after death, a Japanese wake is called tsuya (通夜), lit. “passing the night”. Depending on the relationship to the deceased and the wealth of the guest, the amount may be equivalent to between 3,000 and 30,000 yen. The guests are seated, with immediate relatives seated closest to the front.
How do you write Goreizen?
You should write your name using light Japanese black ink under the address, such as “Goreizen,” on the front side of the koden-bukuro. The upper edge of the koden-bukuro is folded back so that it overlaps the folded-back lower edge.
How much money do you give at a Japanese funeral?
As a rule of thumb, the closer you are to the deceased, the more money you may feel obligated to give, but anywhere between 5,000 yen to 30,000 yen should be an ideal budget. Since odd numbers are associated with inauspicious occasions, it is advised to give an odd-numbered amount.
Why do Japanese cremate?
Cremation in Japan was originally practiced by monks inspired by the Buddha, who gave detailed instructions regarding his own cremation. It was therefore seen as a way of accruing spiritual merit and getting closer to Buddhahood. Cremation also exemplifies the Buddhist teaching of impermanence.