3 Colors You Should Never Wear to a Funeral: A Matter of Respect and Sensitivity

is traditionally associated with mourning, while white may be associated with purity, peace, or innocence.

But in several Asian cultures and religious traditions, white has historically been associated with mourning and funerals.

So saying that white is always inappropriate—or always appropriate—would be misleading.

The same principle applies to other colors.

Cultural context matters

Before attending a funeral, consider:

  • The family’s cultural background
  • Religious traditions
  • The location of the service
  • Any instructions included in the obituary
  • Whether the family has requested specific colors
  • Whether the service is intended as a traditional

There’s more to discover. Continue to the next page for the rest of this article.