The 7th, 49th and 100th day after a death: 头七, 七七, 百日 and 对年

In Chinese tradition, the first year after a loved one passes is marked by a series of milestones: the seventh day, every seventh day until the 49th, the 100th day, and the first anniversary. This guide explains what each one means, how the days are counted, and what families do.

A guide from Nirvana Hall of Remembrance. Customs differ between dialect groups, temples, and Buddhist and Taoist families; if your family or temple has its own practice, follow it.

Why these days matter

The calendar comes from a blend of Buddhist and folk belief. In Buddhism, the 49 days after death are an in-between state (中阴) before the next life, and the prayers and offerings the family makes during this time are believed to ease the journey and earn merit for the person who has died.

Chinese folk religion added the Ten Kings of the underworld (十殿阎王), each of whom judges the soul at a set time: once every seven days for the first 49 days, then on the 100th day, the first anniversary and the third anniversary. Ten judgements give the family ten occasions to help their loved one along.

The milestones at a glance

1. Day 7头七The spirit returns home one last time
2. Days 14 to 42二七 – 六七Weekly prayers
3. Day 49七七The end of the in-between period
4. Day 100百日The end of the period of weeping
5. First lunar anniversary对年The first year of remembrance
6. Third anniversary三年The end of formal mourning

Each milestone

The seventh day 头七

The most widely observed milestone. Families believe the spirit returns home on the seventh night (回魂) to see the family one last time before continuing its journey. Common customs include:

• preparing a meal of the person's favourite food and setting it out at the altar or their place at the table;
• leaving a light on, and the door unlocked, so the spirit can find its way home;
• family members staying in their rooms or going to bed early, so the visit is not disturbed.

The weekly prayers 二七 to 六七

Traditionally a ritual is held every seventh day: on the 14th, 21st, 28th, 35th and 42nd days. In some families, different relatives take responsibility for particular weeks. Today many families in Singapore hold only some of these, or arrange condensed prayers at a temple.

The 49th day 七七, also called 满七

The end of the in-between period. It is often marked with larger prayers led by monks or Taoist priests, and offerings to see the person on to their next life. After the 49th day, the most intense period of mourning eases.

The 100th day 百日

Traditionally the end of the period of weeping (卒哭). Families make offerings and prayers at home or at the temple. Many families stop wearing the mourning pin on the sleeve (戴孝) at either 49 or 100 days.

The first anniversary 对年

The first anniversary is held by the lunar calendar, on the lunar date of passing, and is one of the most important remembrances. Some dialect groups hold it a little early, and a leap month in the lunar year changes the count, so families often ask their temple to confirm the date.

The third anniversary 三年

Traditionally the end of formal mourning. In many Hokkien and Teochew families, this is when the person's tablet is joined with the family's ancestral tablet (合炉). From then on, they are remembered together with the ancestors, and their death anniversary (忌日) is observed each year.

How the days are counted

• Most families count the day of passing as the first day, so the seventh day (头七) falls six days after the day of passing. Some families count differently, or observe it on the sixth night.
• The 49th and 100th days are counted the same way, in ordinary days.
• Anniversaries follow the lunar calendar, so their date on the Western calendar changes from year to year.
• When in doubt, ask your temple or funeral director. They will give you the dates as your family's tradition counts them.

During the mourning period

In the first year, families in mourning often step back from celebrations as a mark of respect:

• avoiding weddings and other joyful events, and wearing red;
• not visiting others at Chinese New Year, and putting up no red decorations at home;
• wearing the mourning pin for the first 49 or 100 days.

In Singapore, the mourning pin is a small square of cloth fastened to the sleeve with a safety pin. White, black and blue are common; earthy or muted shades such as brown, and burlap textures, are rooted in the traditional deep-mourning garments. The patch is pinned to the left sleeve if the person who died was male, and to the right sleeve if the person was female.

How strictly these are kept varies a great deal between families. Many now follow some and not others.

Quick answers

When is 头七, the seventh day after a death?

Most families count the day of passing as the first day, so 头七 falls six days after the day of passing. Some families count differently or observe it on the sixth night, so check with your temple or funeral director.

What do families do on 头七?

Families believe the spirit returns home on the seventh night (回魂) to see the family one last time. Common customs are setting out a meal of the person's favourite food, leaving a light on and the door unlocked, and family members staying in their rooms or going to bed early.

What is 七七, the 49th day?

The 49th day (七七, also called 满七) marks the end of the in-between period (中阴) before the next life in Buddhist belief. It is counted in ordinary days like 头七, and is often marked with larger prayers led by monks or Taoist priests. After it, the most intense period of mourning eases.

When are 百日 (100 days after a death) and 对年?

百日 is the 100th day, counted in ordinary days, and traditionally ends the period of weeping. 对年, the first anniversary, follows the lunar calendar and falls on the lunar date of passing; some dialect groups hold it a little early, and a leap month changes the count.

How long does mourning last in Chinese tradition?

Formal mourning traditionally ends at the third anniversary (三年). In the first year, families often avoid weddings, wearing red and Chinese New Year visiting, and many wear the mourning pin (戴孝) for the first 49 or 100 days.

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