CHINESE FUNERAL

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVII, Issue 23742, 23 August 1940, Page 9

CHINESE FUNERAL

LATE MRS. WONG DOO NOTABLE LAST TRIBUTE TRADITIONAL CEREMONIES Widespread tribute to one of the most respected members of the Chineso community in Auckland was paid at the funeral yesterday of Mrs. Unui Wong Doo, Mvife of Mr. Thomas Wong Doo, a prominent Chinese merchant. There were over 70 cars in the funeral cortcge, while four trucks were required to accommodate the wreaths. The was a blend of .European forms of burial and Chineso customs thousands of years old, the origin of which is lost in antiquity. The late Mrs. Wong Doo was looked upon as a mother by many in the Chinese community in Auckland. She came to New Zealand over 25 years ago at a time when there were very few Chinese women here, and her help, sympathy and advice in the intervening years had been of value to a large proportion of the Chinese in Auckland. The fact that her influence was appreciated by others than those of her own race was shown by the large attendance of Europeans at the funeral. Mourning Banner Chinese came from all parts of the province to attend the ceremony, and wreaths were received from most parts of Aew Zealand. The chief mourners were Mrs. Wong Doo's three sons, Messrs. Thomas, Norman and William Wong Doo, two daughters, Mrs. Them Lee and Miss Minnie Wong Doo, and 10 grandchildren. In accordance with custom, the pallbearers were the sons and first cousins of the deceased. A short service was conducted at Messrs. C. Little and Sons' chapel by the Chinese Presbyterian missioner in Auckland, the Rev. Y. S. Cliau, after which the cortege moved off to Waikumete Cemetery. The leading truck bearing the wreaths was draped with a white banner, the Chinese mourning colour, marked with traditional sayings of farewell. A further short service was conducted at the graveside by Mr. Chau. Meanwhile joss sticks had been set up in the earth at one end of the grave and lighted, and as the cloud of burning incense drifted across the scene the mourners sought a blessing from the departed. » The Pouring ol Wine It is customary among the Chinese to give a feast to say farewell, and this was observed symbolically by the pouring of wine from a bowl on to the ground. Each of the relatives took a little of the wine in a small container and sprinkled it in front of tliQm, bowing to the ground as they did so. All l participated in this rite, down to the 'tinv children who had to be assisted in paying reverence to their honoured grandmother. European and Chinese customs are alike in the casting of a handful of earth into the grave, and each 'of the relatives performed this last act to bring the ceremony to a conclusion. As the mourners moved away each was presented with a number _ of coins wrapped in white paper. It is usual to buy good luck tokens with this gift, to be'worn in the hope that each mourner will live to be as full of years and honour as the departed.