Singing, chanting, bowing…
gongs, flutes, bells, wooden taps…
incense burning…
smoke rising…
tears flowing…
Here are some Chinese traditions shared by the boy’s in-laws for better luck:
- Don’t look at the deceased while en route to be buried/cremated.
- Don’t return to viewing/burial site on same day.
- Don’t eat meat for 49 days.
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Maw disagreed but the three of us Filipinos participated the best we could. That’s because we are “not into ourselves” but can and have learned to ADAPT to Westernized and/or Eastern cultures. Yesterday, I messed up the bowing without holding the incense in my hands! Hahaha!
When I heard the fire of the crematorium increased in decibel, I started to cry. I sensed Bill wanted a proper burial but it was too expensive. Maw wondered why I kept crying. Sheesh! I was letting go of my past at the same time!
We ate lunch at “Tomi Sushi & Seafood Buffet” (the old Todai place) in Eastridge Mall (San José, CA). I had lettuce salad, seaweed, papaya and daikon salad; deep-fried food of shrimp in tempura, calamari and deep-fried wonton with cream chees; and dessert of one cream puff and a pastry.
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