In old days, mourners carried incense and put burned incense into an incense burner in front of the tablet of the deceased for worship. The shoko may be executed 3 times, each of which is offered to Buddhism and priest, or 2 times for burning the primary and the secondary incenses. However it may be executed once in case of a large number of mourners. Obtuary gift The Koden has originated from returning the money for the incense. At present this system has been established for the purpose of giving an offering to the deseased and reducing a financial burden of the family based on the concept of the funeral rite as an affair relating to the whole community.
Fuse stands for contribution in reward for services of the temple and priests.
It is a common custom worldwide to hold a wake for keeping a watch over the deceased. Generally relatives and mourners keep awake all throgh the night so fire is kept alive, as well as keeping food and drink in steady supply for spending the time merrily. Mourners keep a wake to watch the soul of the deceased from an evil spirit. Tips Giving contribution to neighbors who helped the funeral or housekeeping. It is a general custom to give tips to the driver of the casket coach, or a person working for the crematory.