The 100th Day After Death (Bai Ri, 百日)

Both. This is genuinely observed across both traditions in Singapore, not exclusive to one. The reasoning differs, though. In Buddhist belief, the 100th day is tied to karma, the soul's outcome depends on the merit accumulated through the mourning period, leading to a fortunate or less fortunate rebirth. In Taoist belief, the soul is understood to pass through a series of spiritual trials across different realms, and the 100th day marks a significant point in that passage. Different reasoning, similar practical observance.

Bai Ri is calculated using inclusive counting, the day of death counts as Day 1. So if someone passed on 1 January, the 100th day falls on 10 April, not 11 April. This follows the same counting method as the earlier milestones, the 7th day and the 49th day, covered in An Ling and the 49 Days After Death.

Families typically gather to offer prayers, food, and incense, at the columbarium niche, the gravesite, or a home altar. A more significant memorial ceremony is often held, sometimes called Gong Teck on this occasion, led by a monk or priest, marking the formal transition from the early, most intense mourning period toward longer-term remembrance.

A common practice on or around this day is the installation of the ancestral tablet, moving the deceased from a "wandering spirit" status into their formal place as an honoured ancestor, either on the home altar or at a temple. Some families also make a small offering to the Earth Deity (土地公) at the resting place, as a gesture of respect to the guardian of the land.

For some family members, particularly sons, daughters-in-law, and unmarried daughters, the 100th day marks the point where certain mourning restrictions, avoiding celebrations, dietary limits, are gradually relaxed and normal life can resume. Married daughters and more distant relatives often ease back into normal activities earlier, right after the funeral itself.

Traditionally, if a family wedding was already planned, it was considered acceptable to hold it within the 100-day window, rather than waiting. Miss that window, and the custom called for postponing the celebration until after the first-year anniversary instead.

This is a good example of a custom worth knowing rather than strictly following. It was practised more rigidly in the past. Many modern families now weigh it against practical realities, guest logistics, venue bookings already made, family members flying in from overseas, and simply decide what feels right for them. Some families still observe it closely; others don't feel bound by it at all. Neither is wrong.

The 100th day sits between the 49-day mourning period and the first-year anniversary. For the earlier milestone, see An Ling and the 49 Days After Death. For the specific rites some families layer in around these milestones, see Gong Teck, Po Di Yu & Taoist Special Rites and Buddhist Funeral Prayers and Special Rites.