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Ancestral Tablet

Arranging for ancestral tablets is a deeply significant cultural practice and they are symbolic representations of deceased ancestors.

This process is deeply personal and can be influenced by individual beliefs, so there may be variations. Consulting with our professionals at PFCS today for a recommended tailored approach.

Here's a step-by-step guide to help you understand and navigate this process:

  1. Understanding the Significance:

    • Ancestral tablets are believed to provide a spiritual link between the living and deceased, allowing for communication and reverence.

    • They serve as a focal point for paying respects, making offerings, and seeking blessings from ancestors.

  2. Timing:

    • Ancestral tablets are typically prepared and consecrated during the funeral period, depending on the family's customs and beliefs.

  3. Selecting a Suitable Tablet:

    • Families can choose to have a permanent tablet made from materials like wood or stone, or opt for temporary ones made from paper or other biodegradable materials.

    • The tablet should bear the names of the deceased individuals, their birth and death dates, and sometimes other information or titles.

  4. Engaging a Priest or Ritual Master:

    • Many families seek the assistance of a Buddhist, Taoist priest or a religious leader who is experienced in conducting the rituals associated with ancestral tablets.

    • The priest will guide the family through the process and perform the necessary consecration ceremonies.

  5. Preparation and Consecration:

    • The priest will typically perform a series of rituals to consecrate the tablets, imbuing them with spiritual significance.

    • This may involve chanting, offering incense, and invoking blessings upon the deceased.

  6. Placement of the Ancestral Tablets:

    • After consecration, the ancestral tablets are placed in a prominent location, such as an ancestral altar or a dedicated area within the home.

    • They should be positioned in a respectful and clean space, often facing a specific direction based on the family's belief system.

  7. Offerings and Prayers:

    • Family members and visitors can offer food, incense, and other symbolic items to the ancestral tablets as a sign of respect and to seek blessings.

    • Prayers and incantations may be recited during these offerings.

  8. Maintenance and Rituals:

    • Ancestral tablets require periodic maintenance, which may include changing offerings, cleaning, and performing ritualistic ceremonies on special occasions like Qingming Festival (Tomb Sweeping Day) or other significant anniversaries.

  9. Transition to a Permanent Tablet:

    • If the family initially used a temporary tablet, they may choose to transition to a permanent one after a period of mourning and reflection.

  10. Cultural Variations:

    • It's important to note that specific customs and rituals surrounding ancestral tablets can vary between different ethnic groups and religious beliefs in Singapore. Families may adapt these steps to align with their own traditions.

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