Chinese ancestor worship funeral rites...

December 8, 2017 1:33 AM

So I need to ensure that my recently deceased father is put in his ancestral worship temple alongside his ancestors in Hong Kong.

Are there any handy websites, or YouTube videos that explain what happens and what someone needs to do?

Bonus points for any advice on trying to unravel a person's financial details and assets in Hong Kong...

Many thanks

posted by almostwitty to Human Relations (3 answers total)

Are there any handy websites, or YouTube videos that explain what happens and what someone needs to do?

Dunno. But maybe one or more of the contacts here might assist: List of funeral directors in Hong Kong (English spoken here) (pdf).

Condolences.
posted by Mister Bijou at 3:27 AM on December 8, 2017 [2 favorites]

I live in Hong Kong. This PDF from the Hong Kong government may be helpful. This site from gov.hk may also be of assistance. The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department may be the main government bureau you deal with. Give their Hong Kong Island cemeteries/crematoria office a ring on [phone], or call the government's general helpline, 1823.

Good luck. One note: I recently had to manage part of the unexpected death of a close friend here and everything was done correctly, but the language barrier was significant as we went further from public-facing officials and I took people's efficiency and economy with the English they had as brusqueness, which in retrospect was unfair. If you or anyone in your family can speak Cantonese, you might find it a bit easier to get things done and questions answered. Wishing you peace.
posted by mdonley at 4:21 AM on December 8, 2017 [2 favorites]

If your father was a US citizen the Consulate can help you out as well.
posted by eglenner at 11:44 PM on December 8, 2017