Taiwanese Funeral Customs: A Helpful Guide for Expat Colleagues
Introduction: Extending a Helping Hand Across Cultures
Losing a loved one is a profound experience, and attending a funeral in a different culture can be both moving and a little overwhelming. If you have an expat colleague joining you at a Taiwanese funeral, they’ll appreciate any guidance you can offer to help them feel comfortable and respectful. This guide provides a step-by-step approach to help you explain Taiwanese funeral customs and support them through the experience.
跨文化的支持
失去摯愛是一件深刻的經歷，參加不同文化的喪禮既感人也可能令人有些不安。若有外籍同事想要陪伴參加台灣的喪禮，他們會感謝您的指引，幫助他們了解並表達敬意。本指南將為您提供協助，幫助您為同事解釋台灣的喪禮習俗，讓他們在此過程中感到自在並有禮貌地參與。
TL;DR
Funeral customs between Taiwan and the West reflect deep cultural differences, especially in symbolism, ceremony size, and expressions of condolences. By understanding these customs, individuals can offer support and understanding to others across cultures during times of grief.
臺灣與西方的葬禮習俗反映了文化的深層差異，特別是在象徵意義、儀式規模和慰問方式上。理解這些習俗，有助於在哀傷時期向不同文化背景的人提供支持和理解。
1. Preparing Your Expat Colleague
Explain Appropriate Attire: Share that wearing black or dark-colored clothing is respectful, and that bright colors and excessive accessories are discouraged. You might suggest they avoid colorful outfits if possible to align with the traditional mood of the service.
禮儀準備：說明適合的穿著
建議外籍同事穿著黑色或深色的衣物，避免鮮豔的顏色或過多飾品，以尊重傳統儀式的莊重氣氛。這樣做能讓同事的穿著更符合喪禮的氣氛，表示對逝者的敬意。
2. Teach a Simple Condolence Phrase
A short phrase like “節哀順變” (jié’āi shùnbiàn), which means “my deepest condolences,” can be helpful. Explain that even if they don’t speak Mandarin, attempting this simple phrase shows sincere respect and thoughtfulness. Alternatively, they can express sympathy with a quiet nod.
教一個簡單的悼念詞
可以教外籍同事一個簡短的悼念詞，例如「節哀順變」來表達哀悼之情，即使他們不會說中文，但嘗試這句話也是一種誠懇的尊重。如果他們不熟悉語言，也可以選擇以安靜的點頭表示。
3. Offer to Arrive Together
If possible, meet them before the ceremony and enter together. This lets them follow your lead, and they’ll appreciate your presence for any questions that come up.
提議一起抵達
若方便的話，可以約同事一起進場，讓他們能夠跟隨您的步調，並隨時解答他們可能出現的問題。他們會很感激您的陪伴。
4. Guidance During the Ceremony
Introduce Common Practices: Explain the significance of practices like bowing or burning incense, so they know what to expect. Share that burning incense is a symbol of prayer and respect and that it’s okay if they feel more comfortable just observing quietly.
Example: “At certain points, we bow to show respect to the family or the deceased. It’s okay if you prefer to follow along by watching others—you don’t have to do every step exactly.”
喪禮進行中：如何表示尊重
介紹常見習俗：解釋像是鞠躬或燒香的意義，讓他們知道會有哪些禮儀。燒香象徵祈禱與敬意，如果他們更習慣安靜地旁觀，也是可以接受的。
例句：「在特定時間，我們會鞠躬以表示對家人或逝者的尊重。跟隨其他人一起鞠躬或安靜站立也是可以的。」
5. Offering Condolences to the Family
Offer a Simple Approach: Explain that they don’t need to worry about saying too much. A polite bow and a quiet phrase like “節哀順變” are more than enough. Share that in Taiwan, people usually keep condolences brief out of respect for the family’s grief.
Example: “Just a short nod or a simple phrase is okay. In Taiwan, we try to keep things brief when speaking to the family.”
表達慰問的簡單方式
簡單的慰問方式：解釋不需擔心太多的說話內容。鞠躬並簡單地說「節哀順變」已經足夠了。告訴他們在台灣，大家通常保持簡短，尊重家人的哀傷情緒。
例句：「簡單地點頭或一句慰問詞已經很好了。台灣人通常會保持簡短，尊重家人的情緒。」
6. Guidance on Gift or Monetary Offerings
If your colleague notices the monetary gifts given to support funeral costs, let them know that it’s okay if they don’t participate. Observing and respecting customs without taking part is perfectly acceptable if they’re unfamiliar with the practice.
禮物或慰問金的說明
如果外籍同事注意到大家給予慰問金來支持喪禮費用，可以告訴他們若不熟悉這個習俗，旁觀尊重也是可以的，這也是一種敬意的方式。
7. After the Ceremony: Customs and Etiquette
Accepting Refreshments: If the family offers food or drink, explain that it’s courteous to accept, even if just a small amount. Remind them that this small gesture is a traditional sign of gratitude.
Example: “Accepting a little refreshment is a simple way to show respect, and it’s appreciated by the family.”
禮成後：台灣的習俗與禮儀
接受小點心：若家屬提供簡單的茶點，解釋接受一點點是表示禮貌的方式，即使只吃一點也足夠，這是對家屬感激之意的回應。
例句：「接受少量的茶點表示對家屬的尊重，這樣會讓家屬感到感激。」
8. Bowing or Nodding as a Farewell
When leaving, suggest a quiet bow or a respectful nod toward the altar or the family as a final goodbye. Share that this small gesture signals respect and closure.
離開時的禮儀：鞠躬道別
離開時，建議對著祭壇或家屬安靜地鞠躬或點頭作為最終的道別。這表示對家屬的尊重，也為喪禮畫上圓滿的句號。
9. Custom of Giving Towels as a Parting Gift
Explain the Tradition: Share with your expat colleague that, in Taiwan, it’s common for the family to offer a small gift, often a towel, to guests as they leave the funeral. This towel is a symbol of comfort and cleansing, allowing guests to “wash away” the sadness and respectfully close the event. It’s also a gesture of thanks from the family for their support during a difficult time.
Example Sentences:
“In Taiwan, we give out towels to guests leaving the funeral as a small token of thanks and comfort.”
“The towel represents washing away the sadness, allowing guests to leave with a sense of closure and peace.”
“This custom also shows the family’s appreciation for everyone who came to support them.”
分發毛巾的習俗
介紹送毛巾的意義：可以告訴外籍同事，家屬會在賓客離開喪禮時贈送一條小毛巾，象徵清潔與慰藉，讓賓客「洗去悲傷」，以尊重的方式結束活動。這同時也象徵家屬對賓客支持的感激之情。
例句：
「在台灣，會贈送毛巾給賓客，這表示感激，並象徵清洗悲傷，讓大家帶著平和離開。」
「毛巾的意義在於帶來安慰，讓賓客以平靜的心情離去。」
Vocabulary List
Profound 深刻的
Definition: 影響深遠的，具有重大意義的。
Business Example: "The CEO's speech had a profound impact on the company's future direction."
執行
Expat 外籍人士
Definition: 居住在他國的外國人，通常為工作或其他長期目的。
Business Example: "The company hired several expats to bring international expertise to the Taiwan office."
公司雇用了幾位外籍人士，以帶來國際專業知識到台灣分公司。
Condolences 慰問
Definition: 向失去親人的人表達同情或安慰的話語或行動。
Business Example: "The team sent their condolences to the colleague after learning about his loss."
團隊在得知同事的喪親之痛後，向他表示慰問。
Gesture 手勢/表示
Definition: 表達情感或意圖的行為或象徵性動作。
Business Example: "Sending a thank-you email to clients is a small gesture that shows appreciation for their business."
給客戶寄送感謝電子郵件是一個表示感謝的小手勢。
Etiquette 禮儀
Definition: 在特定情境中適當的行為或社交規範。
Business Example: "Understanding local business etiquette is essential for building strong international relationships."
了解當地的商務禮儀對於建立穩固的國際關係至關重要。
Symbolic 象徵性的
Definition: 用來代表或表達某種情感或意義的，通常不具有實質作用。
Business Example: "The ribbon-cutting ceremony was symbolic of the company's commitment to the new market."
剪綵儀式象徵著公司對新市場的承諾。
