Funerals in some cultures can be very large affairs.
In parts of Taiwan, it is not unheard of for funeral processions to be over a mile long, with marching bands, singers, street performers, the deceased's family and friends, people hired to openly and passionately wail, and... strippers?
In parts of Taiwan, it is not unheard of for funeral processions to be over a mile long, with marching bands, singers, street performers, the deceased's family and friends, people hired to openly and passionately wail, and... strippers?
Not a Typical Dancer
A funeral stripper. A young and beautiful woman steps out onto the stage and takes hold of the free standing pole. She is not wearing a lot, a tight shirt, miniskirt, thigh high socks and some colorful shoes. However, by the time she has finished this job she will be wearing much less, possibly nothing at all, as she dances her way to appeasing her client.
She is a stripper.
Her client is dead.
Before the day and night is out, she will have danced for many deceased people.
She is a funeral stripper.
She is a stripper.
Her client is dead.
Before the day and night is out, she will have danced for many deceased people.
She is a funeral stripper.
Funeral Traditions
More traditional procession with jugglers and stilt walkers. Large funerals in Taiwan are nothing new. For countless generations the living venerated the recently deceased with a grande sending off – the more people present, the more noise generated, the greater the spectacle, the more the dead was respected in life.
It is not unheard of for marching bands, stilt walkers, singers, people hired to cry, and hundreds of people to follow the funerary procession. The party-like atmosphere represents the livings willingness to see their loved one cross to the other side, the pomp and fanfare will represent the quality of the after life for the recipient.
It is not unheard of for marching bands, stilt walkers, singers, people hired to cry, and hundreds of people to follow the funerary procession. The party-like atmosphere represents the livings willingness to see their loved one cross to the other side, the pomp and fanfare will represent the quality of the after life for the recipient.
Another more traditional procession. The crowds and clamor are also thought to confuse wandering spirits from taking off with the deceased spirit, before it can undertake its grand journey.
In more recent times, since the 1980's, a new form of 'entertainment' at the funeral popped up. Old trucks were converted into brightly lit, mobile stages from which singers could perform, as well as other stage acts. Also present is a pole so that a stripper can ply their trade. Although these Electric Flower Cars are also used for many of lifes other celebrations – births, birthdays, festivals and just about any other excuse to party – it is when seen at a funeral that it can cause a bit of a stir in the older, more traditional generations.
In more recent times, since the 1980's, a new form of 'entertainment' at the funeral popped up. Old trucks were converted into brightly lit, mobile stages from which singers could perform, as well as other stage acts. Also present is a pole so that a stripper can ply their trade. Although these Electric Flower Cars are also used for many of lifes other celebrations – births, birthdays, festivals and just about any other excuse to party – it is when seen at a funeral that it can cause a bit of a stir in the older, more traditional generations.
...And this is a Small Town Thing!
The hole at the foot of the coffin allows the deceased to watch. The strangest aspect is that one might expect such sights in a big city, but in reality, it is the rural towns and smaller urban centers that see the Electric Flower Cars following along funeral prcessions. For a fee, one can have one of these vehicles, decked out in flashing neon lights, and one or more dancer, to provide the dead with one almighty send-off.
Packed to the max with speakers, the music thumps, the girls sing, and the clothes drop off. It is not unheard of for the deceaseds coffin to have a hole, so that they too may watch the strippers work (though one might also expect the spirit is not confined to the coffin, but still it is a nice touch!).
Packed to the max with speakers, the music thumps, the girls sing, and the clothes drop off. It is not unheard of for the deceaseds coffin to have a hole, so that they too may watch the strippers work (though one might also expect the spirit is not confined to the coffin, but still it is a nice touch!).
Funeral strippers typically stay clad in bikini but extra money can change that. In many places going 'full nude' is considered illegal, but this does not stop extra currency being exchanged for the party to go 'underground'.
It should be noted that funeral strippers, although common in Taiwan, are not considered the norm. Many people have smaller, more closed funerals, however, if you find yourself in a position to be 'fixing up your earthly matters', have the money, and the want for some 'live entertainment', then An Electric Flower Car, and a full deck of singers and dancers, can be easily obtained.
Note, as of 2015, the Chinese government has begun cracking down on the hiring of strippers for funerals.
It should be noted that funeral strippers, although common in Taiwan, are not considered the norm. Many people have smaller, more closed funerals, however, if you find yourself in a position to be 'fixing up your earthly matters', have the money, and the want for some 'live entertainment', then An Electric Flower Car, and a full deck of singers and dancers, can be easily obtained.
Note, as of 2015, the Chinese government has begun cracking down on the hiring of strippers for funerals.
Ashley Hall 2013
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