Funerals last for 3-7 days and nights with the cremation after that.  People come anytime during the day and leave when they want.  The funeral I just went to was at a temple, many are in large tents (marquees) set up in front of people's homes. Food is served (rice, curry, soup etc) at any time for those who come.  You share a meal, chat a bit and, if you are Buddhist, you bow before the coffin to pay homage to the spirit of the person who has died, burning incense , chanting and lighting candles.  People bless the person saying "May you go to the place that you like".  Each night a group of monks will chant Buddhist chants while the guests put their hands together and chant or listen. Each monk holds a oval shaped rigid fan in front of his face.  The fans have messgaes written on them - "go and not return", "Die and not live again" and "sleep and not wake up".

As missionaries we go to honour the relatives of those who have died.  During the time when our friend's mum was alive I would great her with a "wai" (hands together and bow slightly) and honour her.  Now I no longer honour her spirit but go to honour my friend and comfort her.  We eat together and share memories or tears and a hug.  I stand quietly before the coffin with my hands by my sides and pray for my friend and her brothers and sisters (one of whom is the abbot of the temple) that they may know the hope we know in Jesus and the joy of looking forward to heaven.