A Funeral In Taipei, 1958

We had previously published Marvin Faulkner's shots of a  funeral in Kaohsiung. To view it, click  HERE.

Tom Jones took several shots of a funeral in downtown Taipei. Although these funeral processions are held today, the format is quite different from those in this post.

Usually, village leaders and people of note financially or politically would have a procession in their honor.  The richer the person, the more elaborate the production. 



Photo courtesy of Tom Jones

A funeral procession would probably not happen today in Taipei since major roads were shut down to make way for the floats and mourners.  This photo indicates that the procession is about to begin. 



Photo courtesy of Tom Jones

Funeral wreaths were common as were the order in which the family followed the procession.  The clothing worn indicated how close by blood to the deceased each person was.

Photo courtesy of Tom Jones

If there were more Jeeps, you might think that we were in the Philippines.

Photo courtesy of Tom Jones

The pedicabs are carrying the wreaths with Chinese declarations.



Photo courtesy of Tom Jones

The flowers were not spared as we see the Jeep carrying the photo of the person being honored.



Photo courtesy of Tom Jones

These may be some of the younger relatives carrying banners. Then again, Tom's contacts in Taiwan assured him that there were professional mourners.

Photo courtesy of Tom Jones

Possibly, this might be a rent-a-band.  I wonder if these folks were some of the- professional mourners.

Photo courtesy of Tom Jones

This appears to be the casket, followed possibly by close relatives. Red was not worn. (See comment below)

Photo courtesy of Tom Jones

With regular traffic coming to a halt, one can see how difficult it would be to hold a funeral procession in Taipei today. 

That being said, there are processions today, and some even have strippers (No kidding!).  Black autos take the place of the pedicabs. 

Photo courtesy of Tom Jones

Taken later, this doesn't connect with the pictures above as it appears to be at least a partial Christian cemetery in Tainan City. The pond at the left of the picture is now dry. 

Photo courtesy of Tom Jones

An attempt was made to find this cemetery. Tom says it is near the old Dutch Fort Zeelandia.

 It is still here in Tainan City and is called  Tainan Shih Number 1 Public Cemetery.  Each sarcophagus seems to be constructed from concrete. 



Photo by bigmouthall

An up-close picture shows the cemetery today. A wide street runs beside it and parking is available for a price. Let's hope Mr.or Ms. bigmouthall doesn't mind me using this photo.