Table of contents:
- 1. The cult of the ancestors
- 2. They protect themselves from evil spirits by talismans
- 3. The custom of "cleansing the bones"
- 4. Money for the dead
- 5. Tanya of exorcism
- 6. "Month of Ghosts"
- 7. Marry in the afterlife
- 8. Festival "Day of the Spirit"
- 9. Decoration of graves
- 10. Festival with 1000 years of history
Video: Life after death: 10 weird and frightening Chinese customs
2024 Author: Richard Flannagan | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-15 23:55
Despite the communist regime, in China the religious component is very strong. The inhabitants of the Celestial Empire honor the cult of ancestors and believe in life after death. But for ordinary Europeans, some traditions and customs may seem strange, if not intimidating.
1. The cult of the ancestors
In Chinese religious practice, the cult of ancestors and the tradition of burying the dead are of no small importance. It is important for the inhabitants of the Celestial Empire to accurately observe all the customs at the funeral. It depends on this whether the spirit of the deceased will take care of his relatives or harm them, finding no rest.
2. They protect themselves from evil spirits by talismans
The Chinese believe in all kinds of spirits that surround them everywhere. To protect themselves from evil demons and attract good creatures, they use all kinds of talismans, amulets, draw images of demons on the walls of houses.
3. The custom of "cleansing the bones"
In some areas of China, the custom of "cleansing the bones" is practiced. 10 years after the burial, the corpse is dug up, the bones are washed and placed in a ceramic pot.
4. Money for the dead
The Chinese believe that in the afterlife, as in real life, banknotes will be useful. If a person lived a righteous life, then after his death he will have decent "savings" that will help him get to heaven.
5. Tanya of exorcism
The Wutu dance can be called a peculiar rite of exorcism. Evil spirits are expelled through rhythmic movements using white wide ribbons. During the dance, the names of the demons are shouted out, after which the white cloth is burned, which symbolizes purification.
6. "Month of Ghosts"
The seventh month of the lunar year in China is called the "month of ghosts." It is believed that at this time, spirits can penetrate the world of the living. Inhabitants of the Celestial Empire during this period observe strict rules of conduct so as not to anger the ghosts. Those people who are born in the "month of ghosts" can celebrate birthdays only during the day, and not under cover of night.
7. Marry in the afterlife
If the deceased was not married in real life, then he can "pick up" a couple in the afterlife. For this, the remains of the deceased are taken and reburied next to the deceased. China even has its own "black diggers" who steal bodies and sell them to those wishing to marry a deceased son or grandson.
8. Festival "Day of the Spirit"
Another festival dedicated to otherworldly forces is called "Day of the Spirit". During the holiday, generous offerings are left to the guardian God of the underworld in order to appease him.
9. Decoration of graves
Decorating graves is a must for anyone who respects their ancestors in China. Money and food are left on the graves so that the spirit is not bored.
10. Festival with 1000 years of history
Every year in the springtime, Tibetan monks hold the Gui Da festival. This is a kind of holiday of purification, according to which the light forces defeat the dark ones. Monks wear creepy masks of demons and other evil creatures. This tradition has its roots in 1000 years of antiquity, but it is still carried out with observance of all the nuances.
In many African countries, the cult of ancestors is also developed, but not always in a positive way. Some the tribes believe in the evil spirits of the dead who want to harm them.
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