You may have heard that during Japanese funerals, they burn incense. However, this is something you might need help understanding the reasonings behind – after all, it is not commonplace in American funerals.
Japan’s two main religions are Buddhism and Shinto. The former is the reason Japanese people burn incense at funerals.
Generally, incense is very important on a symbolic level when it comes to the ceremony of a funeral.
It is a person’s way of offering incense to Buddha during the ceremony.
With all of this in mind, let’s take a look at exactly why incense is burnt at funerals in Japan. Also, this article will explain some of the etiquette that must be abided by during a Japanese funeral.
Why Does A Japanese Funeral Have Rules?
Just like a lot of areas in Japanese life, the funeral is steeped in tradition. While they are not ‘rules’ per se, there are requirements and traditions to follow during a funeral in Japan.
A lot of these traditions are to do with religion. For example, incense is seen as very symbolic of Buddhism.
For this reason, incense is burned during a funeral. It tends to be a type of powder (makko), rather than a stick (senko).
Even so, during the time of the incense burning there is etiquette to follow. This is because Buddhism has many different sects to follow.
This will then cause traditions to change when it comes to actually handling incense.
For example, those who follow Shin Buddhism do not put incense on their face. There are more rules and traditions to follow during a Japanese funeral which will be explained later on in the article.
Why Is Incense Burned During A Japanese Funeral?
Incense is burned during a Japanese funeral because it is considered to be a very sacred act of offering it to Buddha. It is a ritual that is often done by those devoted to Buddha. It proves a person’s devotion to their God.
However, there are other reasons incense is used during a Japanese funeral. The sweet smell helps to create a wonderful scent in the air.
The smell of incense is also said to evoke awareness and mindfulness too, which can bring about images of Buddhist Gods.
This in turn is said to help calm the deceased’s spirit, but also purify the attendees and the space around them.
Generally, incense is also very calming, so it is no wonder it is used during such difficult times.
How Is Incense Burned During A Japanese Funeral?
The ritual of burning incense is referred to as oshoukou. At some funerals, incense may be passed to each person. Even so, it is more likely that each person will have to make their own way to the alter to take part in the ritual.
Because both incense powder and sticks can be used, there are different ways to use them. However, here is a generalized way of using both:
Makko (Powder)
Makko incense sometimes involves putting it on the forehead. However, this is not always done.
Once you walk over to the altar, you must bow towards the altar. While not necessary, you can also hold prayer beads (known as juuzu) but they must be within your left hand.
Using your right hand, put it into the small pot of incense and take a tiny amount. This is then applied to the forehead using a light touch of the finger.
Any residue powder must be returned to the pot of incense.
You should then do a short prayer, otherwise known as gasshou. This is done with the hands pressed together, eyes closed, and the head tilted down slightly.
Once finished praying, you should turn to the family and bow. It is now time to sit down.
Senko (Stick)
Senko on the other hand is the stick form of incense. Here you will need to light the incense stick with a candle, and then blow it out while not using your mouth to do so. This is seen as rude.
Once up at the altar, you should bow towards the altar.
Just like with Makko incense, you will need to hold the prayer beads in your left hand. You may also need to use your left hand to hold the incense stick.
Using your right hand, you will pick up a lit candle. This will be used to light the incense stick. Normally there is only one incense stick to be lit by each person.
The incense will need to be put into the dedicated incense burner.
To remove the flame from the candle, use your left hand to waft it out. Never use your mouth to blow the candle out.
You will then need to do the ritual of gasshou (see above).
Once finished, you can then bow towards the family and then sit back down.
With quite a few people, this can be a long process. However, you should sit and be patient while other people are making their way through the lighting or ritual of the incense, and their own prayer.
Is Incense Used At A Japanese Funeral?
Yes, incense is used during the actual funeral ceremony. The process of oshouko is done the day before usually. This is where people burn incense and do individual prayers for the deceased.
In the evening, tsuuya takes place. This is where friends and family have a meal and share stories about the person who has passed away.
Originally it was for close family only, but over time friends of the deceased have also become a part of this.
The funeral service, which is known as osoushiki, takes place the following day. Oshoukou takes place again, and then the coffin is taken away to a crematorium.
The family gathers together to have a meal while the cremation process is taking place. Once it is over and the bones are ready, mourners use a special kind of chopsticks to transfer chunks of bone into a pot.
In the Western world, bones are ground down into a sand-like substance. In Japan, the bones are left however the cremation machine left them.
How To Gasshou Properly?
To gasshou you should place your hands together at a 45-degree angle close to your chest, but not touching it. No space should be seen between the fingers. It is the same as if you were doing a general prayer.
You should also tilt your head down slightly, but also keep your eyes closed. This position should be kept until your prayer is over.
It is natural to see people doing this at different times of a Japanese funeral.
Final Thoughts
When it comes to traditions and rituals, Japan has many. This includes their funerals too. Unlike Western funerals, osoushiki has many parts to it, including the burning of incense.
The reason incense is burned during a Japanese funeral is to do with Buddhism. Lighting the incense is seen as a sacred way of offering it to Buddha. It also allows the individual to purify both themselves, the space, and the deceased.
Incense is also very calming, so why not light some yourself to enjoy some mindfulness today?
Hi, I’m Jason Patrick, and for as long as I have been alive, I have been obsessed with Japanese culture. From the sights and sounds of Japan’s many cities to its culinary delights that have become famous worldwide, I simply cannot get enough of this wonderful nation!
I hope that, by exploring this website, you all will develop a much deeper appreciation for Japan, and that it may even influence you to pay it a visit yourself eventually! It is definitely a trip of a lifetime, and whether you experience it firsthand, or through my own website, I’m sure you will become just as passionate as I always have been!
