A friend of mine will be going to a Sikh funeral on Thursday (her friend died), and I'm trying to research what she can expect to help her out.
What should she wear? Does she need to cover her head? Remove her shoes?
I read online that Sikhs try not to show that much emotion at a funeral. Is this correct? The person who died was a 24 year old girl who died in pretty horrific circumstances (murder) - will the family be offended if my friend cries? I'm not sure if she'll be able to hold it together.
The family have asked for donations to go to the school where the deceased was a teacher - does that mean no flowers need to be taken? Are the donations given to the family in an envelope at the funeral, or after or before?
Do Sikhs tend to have a viewing during the funeral?
I know it's being held at a temple and then there'll be a cremation. Can friends go to the cremation?
Is there anything else I should know? Can people who didnt know the deceased go to the funeral to support people there, or not?
Thanks in advance for your answer.
I just want to find out as much information as possible so she can be prepared.
3 Answers
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Yes , she needs to cover her head and remove her shoes and socks as well .
Ask her to dress modestly ( not showing off much ) and would be better without any make up . Make ups and such facial enhancements are usually reserved for celebrations like weddings , etc.
Yes , Sikhism does say that soul is on a journey and death is just a part of that journey to God , but that does not mean all Sikhs keep mum or cry less during funeral . It depends on individuals .
DO NOT take flowers or any gifts please . Because flowers are seen as a part of celebrations .
And giving money is ok , but maybe give them after the funeral service . You can put it in a simple envelope and pass it on . Also , feel free to express your condolences .
Yes , your friend can attend funeral service and cremation . Hope I helped .
Viewing - I am not sure . Some people do , some people don't
You can read more on sikhism's view on death : http://www.sikhiwiki.org/index.php?title=Death
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I don't know the answer, but I know how you can get it. 1. Call the funeral home and ask them what to expect. If they have hosted Sikh funerals before, they'll know. 2. Call the local Sikh temple and tell the person who answers the phone that you need advice on what to wear or bring to a Sikh funeral. They will be happy to tell you. If you get a grumpy person, wait an hour and call back. I have always had good luck, when going to ceremonies in religions I'm not familiar with, by just calling up the temple or church and asking them. They are usually pleased that someone cares that much about being polite, and have always explained their customs to me with a lot of kindness. Thank you for teaching ME about the red & black, which I was not aware of. 🙂
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Sikh funeral - what to expect?
A friend of mine will be going to a Sikh funeral on Thursday (her friend died), and I'm trying to research what she can expect to help her out.
What should she wear? Does she need to cover her head? Remove her shoes?
I read online that Sikhs try not to show that much emotion at a funeral....