Cambodian Chinese Funeral

A very prominent part of Cambodian society is the Chinese community. The Chinese are much in evidence throughout Asia generally and in Cambodia specifically where they own and operate many of the larger commercial stores and businesses. Their presence is visible in other ways, too, as at the time of a funeral of a prominent Chinese person. These pictures were taken at 6:30 AM, the normal time for anything of importance in Cambodia, and show a Chinese funeral in process.
	Signs of the wealth and prominence of the deceased person are these banners which offer funeral slogans in large Chinese characters. The smaller characters list the name of the person or organization which arranged for the banner. The cyclos will form a parade which will precede the hearse in procession to the burial site.
	The funeral—like most funerals in Cambodia—is taking place at the home or place of business of the deceased person, possibly at this restaurant which has a Chinese name. A large tent (background) has been erected for a funeral meal before the body is place in the ornate hearse for the trip to the gravesite. The three 7s on the hearse have an auspicious sound when pronounced.
	Western cultures tend to hide and cover up the reality and signs of death but not so in most Asian cultures. It is common for men, especially the deceased's sons, to shave their heads. All the members of the immediate family will wear white funeral clothes such as this man is wearing.