Wake across the street

Someone in the condo building across the street from mine has recently passed away.  Instead of being at a funeral home the wake actually occurs at the place of residence of the deceased.  In the middle of the courtyard they have put up a tent to provide protection from the weather.  Under the tent are a number of tables and chairs and there appears to be a buffet table with food.  In the middle of the tent is a large alter with a lot of very colorful floral arrangements, candles, and quite a large picture of the deceased.  It is similar to an alter you would see at a Buddhist temple.  Behind the alter are quite a few large floral arrangements (as tall as me) and the casket is there as well.  Despite the casket being there people seem to be paying their respects at the alter where the picture is instead of walking around to the casket. 

In addition to this, there is a very large metal container that is being used for burning joss paper. 

Joss paper is also called 'ghost money'.  It is burned to ensure that the spirit of the deceased has lots of good things in the afterlife.  It can be very traditional looking or more modern like the one above.  

It is interesting timing that there is a wake in the condo block across the street when earlier this week I visited a Chinese cemetery.  I would love to take pictures to show you because it is so different than anything I have seen in the US but funerals are clearly not something that should be photographed.  I even felt a bit bad trying to steal glances as I was walking past.