At the foot of the coffin the family prepares an altar. A burning incense and lit white candle are put on such an altar. The Chinese believe that the deceased should have kind of income during his afterlife. That is why during the wake people burn joss paper and prayer money.
Everyone present at the wake burns an incense and bows as a sign of respect for the deceased. There is also a donation box where people put some money as a sign of respect and help for the family. The costs of funerals are quite high.