Hiak Jin HeanIn Hong Kong, there are two main options for burial: traditional burial and cremation. Traditional burial involves interring the deceased in a cemetery plot, while cremation involves cremating the deceased and interring their ashes in a columbarium or scattering them in a designated area.
Traditional burial is a common option in Hong Kong, and there are a number of cemeteries available for this purpose. These cemeteries may be public or private, and they may offer different types of plots and grave markers, such as grave sites, tombstones, and mausoleums.
Cremation is also a popular option in Hong Kong, and there are a number of columbaria available for this purpose. Columbaria are buildings or structures that contain niches or compartments for storing cremated remains. Some columbaria also offer outdoor areas for scattering ashes.
In addition to these two main options, there are also a number of alternative burial options available in Hong Kong. These may include burial at sea, natural burial, and green burials, like what is also known as the diamond burial amongst others. It is important to carefully consider all of the available options and to make a decision that is in line with the deceased's wishes and preferences.
After planning the funeral, (click here to read how), the next step is to understand what burial options are available to us in Hong Kong.
Choosing a method of burial can be quite a daunting task. Most families in Hong Kong discuss the topic of death (for the fear of bad luck) and in turn, the wishes of the deceased are seldom known. With many different options and factors affecting a burial decision, such as religion, assumptions of what the deceased would have wanted, many families might have a difficult time with making the final decision. In this article, we will list the more prominent and conventional methods of burial and weigh out their pros and cons.
Traditional Burial
Land based burial
In Hong Kong, traditional burial is a common option for those who wish to be interred in a cemetery plot after they pass away. This type of burial involves placing the deceased in a casket or coffin and interring it in a cemetery plot, where it will remain until it naturally decomposes.
There are a number of cemeteries available in Hong Kong for traditional burial, and these cemeteries may be public or private. Public cemeteries are managed by the government and are generally less expensive than private cemeteries. Private cemeteries are managed by private companies and may offer a wider range of services and amenities.
When choosing a cemetery for traditional burial, it is important to consider factors such as the location, the type of plots and grave markers available, and the cost. Some cemeteries may offer different types of plots, such as grave sites, tombstones, and mausoleums, as well as different types of grave markers, such as headstones and memorial plaques.
In addition to choosing a cemetery, there are also a number of other decisions that need to be made when planning a traditional burial in Hong Kong. These may include choosing a funeral home to assist with the arrangements, selecting pallbearers and other funeral attendees, and deciding on the type of casket or coffin to use.
Overall, traditional burial is a common and respected way to honor the deceased in Hong Kong. By carefully considering all of the available options and making decisions that are in line with the deceased's wishes, it is possible to plan a traditional burial that is meaningful and fitting.
It is worthwhile to note, due to the rising prices and scarcity, burials are not chosen by the majority of the public which was reflected in 2013 where by more than 90% of the deceased in Hong Kong were cremated.
Cremation
In Hong Kong, cremation is a popular option for those who wish to have their remains cremated and interred in a columbarium or scattered in a designated area after they pass away. This type of burial involves placing the deceased in a casket or coffin and cremating it, reducing it to ashes. The ashes can then be placed in a columbarium, where they will remain until they are scattered or disposed of in a designated manner.
There are a number of columbaria available in Hong Kong for storing cremation ashes, and these may be public or private. Public columbaria are managed by the government and are generally less expensive than private columbaria. Private columbaria are managed by private companies and may offer a wider range of services and amenities.
Wall Niche
Temporary Wall Niche
A niche in a government-run columbaria comes with the price tag of HK$2,800 -HK$23,000, depending on the size and location, and at least a five year wait. A niche in the private market however, can set you back up to HK$300,000 (Click here to read more about the costs of burial).
When choosing a columbarium for storing cremation ashes, it is important to consider factors such as the location, the type of niches or compartments available, and the cost. Some columbaria may offer different types of niches or compartments, as well as outdoor areas for scattering ashes.
Overall, cremation is a popular and respected way to honor the deceased in Hong Kong. By carefully considering all of the available options and making decisions that are in line with the deceased's wishes, it is possible to plan a cremation that is meaningful and fitting.
Ashes Scattering
Scattering in Remembrance Garden
If waiting for available slots and paying huge sums of money isn’t convenient another option that has been provided is the scattering of ashes. This is where the cremated ashes of the deceased can be scattered either a t sea or in a memorial garden. The application and scattering process is even offered for free to Hong Kong residents, with the option of purchasing a commemorative plaque for HK$90. (Click here to read more)
Sea Scattering
Diamond Burial
Ashes converted to diamond to form a Memorial Diamond
A memorial diamond, also known as a cremation diamond or a synthetic diamond, is a man-made diamond that is created using carbon extracted from the cremated remains of a deceased person. This type of diamond is typically used as a memorial or keepsake to honor the deceased, or it may be incorporated into jewelry or other objects.
The process of creating a memorial diamond involves extracting the carbon from the cremated remains and using it to create a diamond using specialized equipment and processes. The resulting diamond may be similar in appearance to a natural diamond, but it is not a naturally-occurring gemstone.
Memorial diamonds are a relatively new option, and they may not be suitable or desirable for everyone. It is important to carefully consider all of the available options and to make a decision that is in line with the deceased's wishes and preferences.
