Tao Thay Shang Men – English

From : Rudy
Question :
I would like to ask again. If in a house of my relatives there is an altar, and they grieve due a family member passed away, is it true that the altar has to be covered and should not be worshiped? If it is true, what is normally used to cover? And when can we pray there again as normal? Thank you.

Answer :
If the dead is lied down in a public hall, the altar at home need not to be covered and praying can be carried on as normal. However if the dead is lied down at home, and there is no other choice but to use the room when the altar is placed, we should cover the altar with red cloth. It is simply for properness reason. The cover can be removed after the dead is carried for burial and praying can be done as normal.
If there is a proper room at home, the altar could be move there temporarily. There is no covered needed and you can pray as normal.