A recent funeral setup in Serangoon has left some residents feeling uncomfortable, particularly due to the presence of large inflatable archways at Block 232A, Serangoon Avenue 2. The wake, which began on May 24, featured two inflatable gates: one at the covered walkway entrance to the block from the carpark and another along the sidewalk by the main road. In addition, 74 electronic wreaths were displayed around the area.
Some residents have expressed unease about having to walk through the archways, with one anonymous individual stating, “I feel it is inauspicious having to walk through the archway whenever I go home.” The presence of electronic wreaths, which were placed near the structure, further obstructed pedestrian movement, prompting a sense of fear among those passing by.
However, not all residents shared the same view. A 58-year-old self-employed man, Huang, commented that funeral wakes are brief and typically don’t cause much disruption. “We can also walk around it if it’s inconvenient,” he added, showing understanding towards the situation. Most of the other residents interviewed were empathetic towards the grieving family and did not find the arrangement excessive.
The family of the deceased, a man in his 80s, explained that the archways and wreaths were gifts from close family and business associates. They also expressed willingness to remove the structures if they were deemed inappropriate by the authorities.
Experts, including fengshui master Ken Koh, suggested that these funeral archways are symbolic, intended to guide the deceased home. “While some may find it morbid, they do not interfere in the human dimension and will not cause any harm,” Koh clarified.
Funeral professionals like Jeremy Ng from Singapore LED Flower Wreaths and Cyrus Lee from X Funerals also noted that the inflatable gates are primarily decorative, serving as an entrance to the funeral area and offering comfort to the bereaved family. They stressed that while some may perceive these gates as inauspicious, their real purpose is to enhance the visual appeal of the ceremony.