Following cremation, the interment of the urn typically takes place three to seven business days later; the specific date for the burial must be selected by the family as an auspicious day. The rituals and protocols surrounding the interment include selecting a burial plot, preparing burial accompaniments and grave-side ornaments, placing the urn into the grave, sealing the tomb, arranging decorations and ornaments, and conducting memorial rites.
Timing of the Interment
Once the cremation of the remains is complete, the urn is not buried immediately. Typically, the family is required to temporarily store the urn at the funeral home for a period of three to seven business days. During this interval, the family undertakes the process of selecting a burial plot and determining the date for the interment. In accordance with traditional funeral customs, the burial day should ideally be an "auspicious day" (a *Huangdao* day); families will consult a traditional almanac or seek the advice of professionals to identify a propitious date.
Selection of the Burial Plot
Selecting a burial plot is a crucial step preceding the interment of the urn. Families often visit multiple cemeteries to conduct on-site inspections, comparing various factors such as the plot's orientation, dimensions, and price. The orientation of the burial plot is considered particularly significant; plots facing south (with the back to the north) are generally regarded as the most auspicious. Once a plot has been selected, the family must sign a formal agreement with the cemetery administration and settle the associated fees.
Preparation of Burial Accompaniments and Grave-side Ornaments
The selection of burial accompaniments (grave goods) and grave-side ornaments is another important aspect of the interment ceremony. Funeral customs vary by region; consequently, the choice of accompaniments and ornaments may differ depending on local traditions. Families may select suitable burial accompaniments-such as gold or silver jewelry, jade artifacts, or porcelain-based on local customs and the deceased's personal preferences. Grave-side ornaments typically include fresh flowers, decorative streamers, and similar items, which serve to adorn the tombstone and express the family's enduring remembrance of the deceased.
Interment of the Urn
When interring the urn, the family is required to line the bottom of the burial chamber with a layer of gold-colored fabric. The urn is then carefully lowered into the chamber, positioned according to the designated orientation-typically facing south (or aligned with the specific orientation of the chosen plot). The side of the urn bearing the deceased's photograph should be positioned to face outward (toward the front), serving as a gesture of respect and reverence for the deceased. Upon the urn, family members must drape layers of silver and red cloth, and arrange accompanying burial items such as jade pendants and copper coins. In the case of a joint burial for a married couple, the two urns should be positioned with their photographic portraits facing one another, symbolizing the couple's eternal unity of heart and spirit.
Sealing the Burial Chamber
Once the urn and accompanying burial items have been placed inside the burial chamber, the family members must verify that everything is positioned correctly. After this verification is complete, the cemetery staff will proceed to seal the chamber. Sealing the chamber involves closing off the opening to prevent external elements-such as rainwater-from intruding into the burial space. Family members are also welcome to assist the staff with this sealing process.
Arranging Decorations and Ornaments
After the chamber has been sealed, family members should place the ornaments and decorative items they have purchased-such as fresh flowers, decorative ribbons, and other tributes-in front of the tombstone. These decorations and ornaments serve not only to beautify the tombstone but also to express the family's remembrance of and reverence for the deceased. Family members should carefully verify the positioning and orientation of all items to ensure the smooth and proper conclusion of the entire interment ceremony.
Conducting the Memorial Ritual
Once the placement of the graveside ornaments is complete, the family members will conduct a memorial ritual. This ritual constitutes a vital component of the ceremony, serving as a means to express grief and respect for the deceased. During the ritual, family members will offer tributes-such as fresh flowers, incense, and candles-to the deceased, and perform traditional rites, including bowing three times. Relatives and friends attending the interment ceremony will also pay their respects to the deceased and bow three times. With this, the interment ceremony for the urn is brought to a successful and dignified conclusion.