Yes, religious ceremonies are central to family funerals in Setagaya Ward, with the majority of funerals following Buddhist traditions. Buddhism’s influence in Setagaya is strong, and the religious ceremonies reflect the belief in reincarnation and the need for rituals to guide the deceased’s soul on its journey to the afterlife.
A typical Buddhist funeral in Setagaya begins with a wake, where family 世田谷区 家族葬 and friends gather to pay their respects and offer prayers. The wake is often led by a Buddhist priest, who chants sutras and offers prayers for the deceased. During the funeral ceremony, additional chanting, prayers, and incense offerings are made to ensure the deceased’s peaceful passage to the next realm. The family often receives guidance from the priest on how to conduct the ceremony, which can include participation in specific rituals such as the lighting of candles and incense.
One of the most important elements of a Buddhist funeral in Setagaya is the cremation ceremony, which is considered an essential part of the ritual process. After the cremation, the family will often participate in a ritual known as “bone picking,” where the relatives, using chopsticks, transfer the ashes and bones of the deceased into a burial urn. This is an important symbolic act that represents the family’s connection to the deceased and their role in guiding their soul.
While Buddhism is the dominant religion for funerals, Setagaya is home to a diverse population, and some families may follow other religious practices, such as Shinto or Christianity, or even choose a secular funeral. However, even for non-religious funerals, elements of Buddhist or Shinto traditions may still be incorporated, such as the use of incense or specific funeral rites.
