In this article, we will explore ancestral tablets as a traditional form of worship for the deceased, particularly within Singapore’s Chinese community. Understanding the role and significance of ancestral tablets is important for families looking to honour their ancestors in a meaningful way.
A Tablet That Depicts Ancestors from the Current Day
An ancestral tablet serves as a physical representation of a family’s ancestors and is a key object of veneration in Taoist and Buddhist religious practices. These tablets are often made from wood, crystal, or stone and are typically inscribed with the names of deceased family members.
While many families in Singapore opt for columbarium niches, some prefer the more traditional route of housing ancestral tablets either in their homes or at temples.
What Are Ancestral Tablets?
Ancestral tablets have been an integral part of religious practices in Chinese culture for centuries. Buddhists and Taoists believe that these tablets hold the spirit and memory of the deceased. Unlike earthly remains, such as cremated ashes or skeletal remains, the ancestral tablet is seen as a spiritual vessel where the soul resides.
Despite the availability of modern columbaria and burial services, many families still opt for ancestral tablets to honour their loved ones in a deeply spiritual way. These tablets act as a bridge between the living and the dead, providing a way for descendants to show respect and ensure that their ancestors are remembered.
Materials and Placement of Ancestral Tablets
Ancestral tablets, typically small in size, can be made from a variety of materials including wood, crystal, or stone. The choice of material often depends on family tradition, religious preferences, and the budget available. Once an ancestral tablet is crafted, it must be placed in an appropriate location, such as:
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- Home Altars: If space allows, many families set up altars within their homes to house the ancestral tablet.
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- Columbaria: Some families may choose to place the tablet alongside the urn of their loved one in a columbarium.
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- Temples: Temples often provide a communal setting for ancestral worship, making it a suitable option for families without space at home.
Key Considerations for Placing Ancestral Tablets
There are several important factors to consider before choosing where to place an ancestral tablet:
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- Space: Is there enough room in your home for a dedicated altar? The size of the altar must be suitable for the family’s needs, and the location should be carefully chosen for spiritual and practical reasons.
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- Maintenance: An ancestral altar requires regular cleaning and upkeep. It’s essential to ensure that someone in the household is ready to take on this responsibility.
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- Cost: Ancestral tablets typically cost a few hundred dollars, but placing them in a temple or columbarium could cost an additional few thousand dollars. The cost of the tablet itself varies based on the materials used and the craftsmanship.
The Ritual of Inviting the Spirit
Once you’ve selected a suitable place for the ancestral tablet, the next step is to perform the necessary religious rites to “invite” the spirit of your loved one into the tablet. This is typically done by a Taoist priest or a Buddhist monk through a ceremony known as kai guang (開光). This process imbues the tablet with the spirit and memory of the deceased, ensuring that it functions as a spiritual vessel for worship.
The Purpose and Value of Ancestral Tablets
The primary purpose of ancestral tablets is to allow families to demonstrate filial piety—a core value in Chinese culture. Ancestral tablets serve as a means for families to honour their ancestors and ensure that their memory is preserved.
For some families, the ancestral tablet also symbolises the continuity of the family lineage. It acts as a guardian, believed to provide protection and blessings to the descendants. Maintaining an ancestral tablet is not only about reverence for the past but also about ensuring the family’s future well-being.
The Role of Ancestral Tablets in Protecting Descendants
In traditional Chinese belief, the ancestral tablet serves as a spiritual shield, offering protection to the family from harm and misfortune. Regular offerings and prayers are made to the ancestors, asking for their blessings and guidance in daily life.
Where to Buy Ancestral Tablets in Singapore
There are several places in Singapore where families can purchase ancestral tablets. Depending on your needs, you can acquire a tablet from the following sources:
Columbaria or Temples
Many columbaria and temples offer services to house ancestral tablets. Placing the tablet in a temple allows families to ensure that the spirit of the ancestor is regularly tended to in a sacred environment. Some temples also conduct periodic rituals to honour the spirits residing in these tablets.
Lin San Temple: Located in Geylang, Lin San Temple offers a modern environment for placing ancestral tablets. They also provide interest-free installment plans for up to 48 months, making it a viable option for pre-planning arrangements. For more details or to make a purchase, you can contact them directly.
- Address: 27 Lor 12 Geylang, Singapore 399004
- Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday: 9 AM – 6 PM
- Contact Number: Please call/Whatsapp/SMS 90369917 at for appointments and inquiries.
Leong San See Temple: This temple has been a traditional site for housing ancestral tablets since the early 20th century. It is recognized as a conservative heritage site by the Singapore Government, ensuring a respected and serene environment for ancestral worship.
- Address: 371 Race Course Rd, Singapore 218641
- Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday: 8 AM – 4 PM
- Contact Number: 6298 9371
Thian Hock Keng Temple: Located in the heart of Singapore, this temple offers several options for ancestral tablets with various services included. They also provide specific religious services on set dates each lunar month, which can be an important aspect for those following traditional practices.
- Address: 158 Telok Ayer St, Singapore 068613
- Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday: 7:30 am-5pm
- Contact Number: 6423 4616
Altar Supplies Stores
Several stores across Singapore offer religious supplies, including ancestral tablets. These stores typically offer a range of options in terms of material and design. They may also provide guidance on how to maintain and care for the tablet.
Yew Fa Religious Materials Trading
- Address: 509 Geylang Road (near Lorong 27A), Singapore
- Contact Number: +65 6294 6771
- Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday: 9:30 am-5.30pm
Feng Shui Masters
A Feng Shui master can help determine the best location for placing an ancestral tablet within your home. Feng Shui is often consulted to ensure that the placement of the tablet aligns with spiritual energy to bring harmony and prosperity to the family.
How Much Do Ancestral Tablets Cost in Singapore?
The price of an ancestral tablet in Singapore typically ranges from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars, depending on factors such as the material, size, craftsmanship, and where it is placed.
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- Basic wooden tablets can cost around $200 to $500.
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- Crystal or stone tablets often cost between $500 to $1,500, depending on the quality and intricacies of the design.
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- For high-end, custom-made tablets crafted from premium materials, the price can go up to $2,000 to $20,000
If you choose to place the ancestral tablet in a temple or columbarium, additional fees may apply for the space and regular upkeep, which can range from $1,000 to $5,000 or more. This cost typically includes the spiritual services required to invite the ancestor’s spirit into the tablet. These fees vary based on the location, the level of care, and the rituals involved.
funeralservices.sg
At funeralservices.sg, we collaborate with a reputable ancestral tablet provider to offer families a full suite of funeral services, including assistance with the selection, purchase, and placement of ancestral tablets. Our team ensures that every step is handled with care and respect for your family’s traditions.
If you require assistance with acquiring or placing ancestral tablets, please do not hesitate to contact us at 8900 0000. We are here to guide you through the process and ensure that your loved ones are honoured in the most respectful way.
Conclusion
Ancestral tablets hold deep cultural and spiritual significance in Singapore’s Chinese community. While many modern alternatives exist, the ancestral tablet remains a powerful symbol of familial respect and continuity. Whether placed in a home, temple, or columbarium, the ancestral tablet serves as a constant reminder of the connection between the living and the dead.
By honouring your ancestors through the placement of an ancestral tablet, you ensure that their memory is preserved, and their blessings continue to protect and guide your family.
At funeralservices.sg, we are committed to helping families through every step of this important process, ensuring that your loved ones are remembered with the dignity and respect they deserve.
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