Belief in the afterlife and rituals to honor the deceased are practices deeply rooted in human culture, with each society developing its own ways of paying respect to those who have passed. Chinese funeral traditions are particularly rich in customs, often influenced by tradition and superstition, and are observed with strict adherence to ensure respect for the deceased and avoid bringing bad luck to the family.
One of the most fundamental rules in Chinese funerals concerns the age of both the deceased and those paying their respects. It is considered inauspicious for an elder to bury someone younger, encapsulated in the saying, “a grey-haired person should not send off a black-haired person.” In cases where a child dies, it is traditional for the parents not to hold a funeral or offer prayers, and the child is buried in silence. When an elderly person passes away, all statues of deities in their home are covered with red paper to prevent the deceased from inadvertently disrespecting them.
Mirrors are also removed from the home of the deceased, a practice rooted in the belief that the soul might try in vain to see its reflection, which could cause distress. The date of the funeral is carefully chosen, with some avoiding funerals during the seventh lunar month, known as Ghost Month, when spirits are believed to roam the earth. Attendees typically wear dark colors such as black or navy blue, as red is associated with celebration and happiness, which are considered inappropriate for mourning.
Condolence money is commonly given to the bereaved family, with the amount usually being an odd number, as even numbers are reserved for auspicious occasions. At Taoist funerals, “ghost money” made of joss paper is burned to assist the deceased in their journey through the afterlife. Additionally, precautions are often taken to ensure that evil spirits do not follow mourners home. One such precaution involves washing hands and faces with pomegranate-infused water before leaving the funeral site.
The initial mourning process in Chinese culture spans several days, but the soul’s journey after death is believed to be much longer. Various rituals are performed to expedite the release of the soul from purgatory, including prayers and chanting by monks. In southern China and Hong Kong, a dramatic Taoist ritual known as “breaking the hell’s gate” is performed, where a priest enacts the soul’s release from purgatory through a series of symbolic actions, culminating in the destruction of a small structure representing the gates of hell.
These rituals and traditions reflect the deep respect and care within Chinese culture for ensuring that the deceased are honored and aided on their journey in the afterlife.
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