Cultural Funeral Traditions in New Zealand

Honoring Cultural Traditions in New Zealand Funerals

Māori Funeral Traditions (Tangihanga)

Key Elements:

• Powhiri: Welcome ceremony for visitors
• Hongi: Traditional greeting
• Tangi: The crying/mourning process
• Whakapapa: Genealogy and family connections

Process:

1. Deceased lies in state on marae (meeting ground)
2. Three-day mourning period with continuous vigil
3. Whaikōrero (formal speeches) and waiata (songs)
4. Hākari (feast) to strengthen community bonds
5. Burial or cremation according to family wishes

Protocols:

• Remove shoes before entering wharenui (meeting house)
• Never eat food in the presence of the deceased
• Visitors should bring food contribution
• Follow marae protocols and kaumātua guidance

Pacific Island Traditions

Samoan (Fa'a Samoa):

• Extended family involvement in planning
• Formal cultural attire (ie faitaga, lavalava)
• Traditional mat presentations
• Community feast and gift exchanges
• Fine mats and monetary gifts for family

Tongan:

• Putu (viewing period) lasting several days
• Traditional ta'ovala (mat) wearing
• Koloa (traditional wealth) presentations
• Church service and family prayers

Fijian:

• Bose (traditional meeting) to plan funeral
• Reguregu (traditional presentation) of whale's tooth
• Community participation in preparations
• Traditional barkcloth and fine mats

Asian Funeral Traditions

Chinese:

• Feng shui considerations for burial sites
• White and black clothing for mourning
• Burning of incense and paper money
• Specific foods offered to deceased
• 49-day mourning period

Indian/Hindu:

• Preference for cremation
• Puja (prayer ceremony) at home
• 13-day mourning period
• Scattering of ashes in sacred rivers
• Annual Shraddha ceremony

Buddhist:

• Meditation and chanting ceremonies
• Merit-making activities
• Cremation typically preferred
• Seven-week mourning period
• Dana (charitable giving) in honor of deceased

European Traditions

Irish:

• Wake with body present at home
• Continuous vigil with prayers and stories
• Traditional Irish music and songs
• Funeral procession to church and cemetery

Italian:

• Extended family gatherings
• Traditional black mourning attire
• Catholic mass and rituals
• Annual remembrance ceremonies

Religious Funeral Traditions

Christian:

• Funeral service in church or chapel
• Scripture readings and hymns
• Committal service at graveside
• Reception or wake following service

Jewish:

• Burial within 24 hours if possible
• Shiva (seven-day mourning period)
• Kaddish prayers
• No flowers or embalming
• Simple wooden casket

Islamic:

• Burial within 24 hours
• Body washed and wrapped in kafan (shroud)
• Janazah (funeral prayer)
• Burial facing Mecca
• Three-day mourning period

Incorporating Cultural Elements

Working with Funeral Directors:

• Communicate cultural requirements clearly
• Provide contact details for cultural advisors
• Discuss timing and location needs
• Arrange for cultural dress and items

Venue Considerations:

• Access to marae or cultural centers
• Space for large gatherings
• Kitchen facilities for food preparation
• Accommodation for extended ceremonies

Mixed Cultural Families

For families with multiple cultural backgrounds:

• Discuss and respect all traditions
• Find meaningful ways to blend customs
• Consider separate cultural ceremonies
• Seek guidance from cultural leaders
• Focus on honoring the deceased's wishes

Resources and Support

• Cultural community leaders and advisors
• Multicultural funeral directors
• Religious and cultural organizations
• Translation services if needed
• Cultural protocol guides