The time the funeral takes place after a death depends on the Buddhist traditions of
the bereaved. In certain Japanese traditions, the funeral is usually within one week.
Cambodian, Ceylon, and Thailand, there are three ceremonies. The first ceremony is
held at the bereaves house by a monk within the first two days of the death. The
second ceremony is held within two to five days of the death at the funeral home
which a service is conducted by a monk. The third one is held after seven days of
the burial or cremation. A monk hold a ceremony at the bereaves house or at a
temple. The last ceremony which is called "merit transference", seeks to receive good
energy for the deceased in his or her new incarnation. If you are not in the Buddhist
religion, it is inappropriate to communicate with the bereaved before the funeral.