Process of the Funeral Ritual of China - Essay Example

Explore the Process and Understandings of the Funeral Ritual of China and How It Is Related To Life and Death Name of Professor: Name of Course: Code of the Course: Date of Submission: Explore the Process and Understandings of the Funeral Ritual of China and How It Is Related To Life and Death Introduction The life cycle of a human being has been a subject of major analysis over time. In order to explain the meaning of life and death, various scholars and medical researchers have focused on trying to figure out these two important elements in life. Key to the definition of life and death are the teachings and beliefs which are based on culture and religion (Peelen 2009, p.175). Generally, it can be acknowledged that the anthropology of life and death is a complex subject, especially the subject about death. For this reason, there are no any standard definitions or explanations about death or the basic reason as to why it exists. This explains the reason as to why life and death is associated with many rituals and rites; all of which are meant to prepare an individual for the occurrences which are yet to unfold with respect to the specific beliefs and understanding of life and death which is upheld in a specific culture or religion (Kaufman & Morgan 2005, p.317). The following essay will critically explore the process and understandings of the funeral ritual in China and how it is related to life and death. Life Life is one of the most celebrated elements in human life. This explains the reason as to why there are many rituals to mark special occasions in the life cycle of a human being. The start and end of life has also been a major point of debate. According to (Kaufman & Morgan 2005, p.318), there is an ambiguous line between the two. This explains the uncertainty associated with definition of life. Initially, the definition of the beginnings of life was based on the sociology and anthropology of religion and sociology, the family unit and rituals & rites to (Kaufman & Morgan 2005, p.319). However, modern definitions of life are based on biosciences. Bioscience gives a scientific perspective to life. As opposed to the former definitions, bioscience is based on scientific facts (to (Kaufman & Morgan 2005, p.319). However, science fails to take account of the soul, a major element in the discussion of life and death. Ideally, the spirit world does not exists in science; which explains the reason as to why bioscience definitions of life cannot stand alone but rely heavily on cultural and religious beliefs in order to connect the missing links. The development in science and technology inundation to globalization that has resulted to changes in lifestyle and life beliefs have led to a substantial change in the definition of life. According to many religious and cultural practices, life begins at conception. This means that abortion is considered to as an act of discontinuing life. However, it can be acknowledged that this belief is slowly losing ground in the modern society even to an extent of legalizing abortion in some of the countries in the world. This is an indicator of the changing meaning of life and death in the human race. The fact that globalization is leading to the creation of a universal society; one which shares many beliefs and values gives an explanation as to why such changes in the definition of the meaning of life are spreading rapidly in the world. The meaning and definition of life are also changing with respect to what and who is supposed to give birth to life or support the development of life in an individual. The modern society is associated with strange kinds of unions such as gay and lesbian unions. As simple as the unions may seem, they have given a completely new meaning to life. There are various instances of women in lesbian relationships campaigning to be given equal rights to own a child just as people in other normal relationships. However, the basic fact that the lesbian union cannot give rise to life via conception gives ground for the debate as to whether such a union should be allowed to support life (bring up a child) (Lewin 1995, p.104). There have also been several developments in technology which have changed the beliefs and values associated with motherhood. Visco intro fertilization in addition to other technologies which have led to the development of motherhood via unnatural means has been able to change the definition and meaning of life (Abu-Lughod 1995, p.345). From the arguments above, it can be acknowledged that there has been a gradual change in the definition and meaning of life and death. These definitions have led to the alteration of the process in which a person asserts to person hood (Kaufman & Morgan 2005, p.319). just as it was in the ancient time, life is still upheld highly in the modern society, with special occasions performed to mark special phases/ stages in life. The occasions are normally associated with several ritual and rites; all of which are meant to give meaning to life. According to the Chinese, a person is supposed to live a 5 bosoms life. A 5 bosoms life is a complete life; one in which a person has fulfilled his or her mission in life and ensured that there is a continuity of society and generation after death. A five bosoms life is characterized by 5 key aspects: marriage, giving birth to a son, earning respect in life, having a loving grandson and dying in ones sleep after a long life. To the Chinese, these 5 elements in life are so important that they dictate how a person is treated in his or her lifetime and after his death. To the Chinese, the meaning and definition of life circles around these five main bosoms in addition to others. Death Just as death is an ambiguous occurrence in the contemporary one, it remains one in China. The definition of death has not changed substantially as compared to the definition of life. This s due to the uncertainties associated with it. According to the Chinese culture, death marks the detachment of the soul from the body. However, the Chinese believe in life after death which explains the various rituals and rites performed after death (Victoria & Albert Museum, 2013). However, the meaning of death has also changed with the changes in the definition of life and increased globalization. Although the Chinese are known for their conservative culture, changes in their beliefs about death have been influenced by foreign cultures and religions. On this aspect, it is important to acknowledge that religion plays an important role in defining death in the Chinese culture. The main religion groups in China are Buddhism, Taoism, Confuciusm among other traditional Chinese religious practices. Looking at the wider world, it can be acknowledged that death has achieved several definitions as a result of changes in culture and advances in scientific research. One of the main definitions of death has been associated with the death of the brain (Lock 2002, p.236). The research is influenced by the need to ascertain the point at which a person can be proclaimed dead. On this point, it can be acknowledged that the notion that a body can outlive a person comes out clearly. In fact, it is the basic notion that guides medical professionals when they seek to get vital organs from the deceased which are meant to be later used in transplants. However, medical and scientific knowledge do not explain the reason as to why death occurs and what happens after one dies. According to the Chinese culture, there exists life after death. According to the ancient Chinese cultural beliefs, a person normally returns to the living in the form of a spirit, other believes n reincarnation where a person returns in another form while others believe that one proceeds on the spirit world. All along the definition of death, the religion and culture plays an important role in giving meaning to death. Funeral and funeral rituals and rites Funerals are ceremonies which are associated with death (Sanders 2010, p. 48). As pointed out earlier, every important happening in life is marked by an occasion. There are various functions of the funeral occasions, all of which are influenced by cultural and religious beliefs. On this point, it is important to note that the funeral occasion is largely influenced by the meaning of death according to the religion and culture in which a person comes from. Just as the meaning and definition of life and death has changed over time, it can be noted that there have also been some changes in the funeral rituals and practices in many societies around the world. This is the same case in China where there have been several changes in the funeral ritual. One of the most notable changes is the widespread use of cremation. Cremation is a practice which has been borrowed from the Hinduism religion and Indian culture. However the ritual may be, it must be acknowledged that the funeral ritual is a cultural / social occasion. This explains the reason as to why the ritual is upheld highly in the China as well as other cultures in the world. In China, the funeral ritual performed is dependent on the status of the deceased. Ideally, there are differences in the funeral rituals performed on individual who have lived a five bosom life, which leads to a five bosom death from the people who have not (Simon 2013, p.1). The religious affiliation of the deceased also influences the way in which the funeral rite is performed. The following section will discuss the funeral rituals and rites in China with respect to ancient Chinese culture, Buddhism and Christianity. Funeral Rituals in China with respect to Ancient Chinese Culture Funerals are a very important ritual in the Chinese culture and tradition. According to the Chinese, funeral rituals are meant to prepare the deceased for the life after death in addition to pacifying him or her with the bereaved and the larger world. The Chinese funerals were associated with two main elements: one is the preparation of the tomb and its contents while the other one involved the ceremony to honor the departed. The funeral rituals are dependent on the life which an individual lived; which shows the close relationship between life and death aspects. As identified earlier, a person who dies a five bosom death is honored more than a person who has not. On this point, it is important to acknowledged that there different rites and rituals performed on the deceased according to the status of the deceased. In Netherlands, the Dutch erected monuments to honor stillbirths (Peleen 2009, p. 173). This is an act of showing the meaning which the Dutch hold about life, death and the funeral rites associated with it. From this it can be appreciated that there are is a close connection in life and death as explained in their anthropology. This explains the reason as to why the each of the rituals in the life cycle of a human is influenced by other occurrences in life. Back to the Chinese funeral rituals, it can be appreciated that this phenomenon is inherent in all the funeral practices. The first step in the ancient Chinese funeral culture is to inform the relatives and friends about the death of an individual. This is normally done by the eldest son. Normally, if a person had lived beyond 80 years, the funeral ritual is more inclined to celebrating his or her life as opposed to mourning. Next is the choosing of the burial site. The site is chosen in areas where the land is good since it ensures that the spirits will feel comfortable (Victoria & Albert Museum, 2013). Normally, the Chinese chose burial sites on hills since they had good vegetation and were less likely to be disturbed by any human activity. Next is the preparation of the tomb / grave site. It involves the curving of wooden carts, servants and horses. The carvings should have great resemblance to the ones used in the real life situation so as to reflect the continuity of life after death. The preparation also involves the preparation of the final resting place of the deceased. The preparation is meant to ensure that the spirit of the deceased passes on to the afterlife smoothly and not return to the living as an evil spirit. During the actual funeral/ burying of the dead, various things are placed in the tomb. Historically, the dead were buried with bronze vessels, a practice which was emphasized by the Shang and Zhou dynasties meant to ensure that the deceased continued to offer sacrifices to the gods even after his or her death (Victoria & Albert Museum, 2013). The other main part of the ancient Chinese culture is the ceremonies associated with the funerals. Foods are given to the ancestors, the deceased and the living in a move meant to ensure that the deceased passes on to the spirit world peacefully. The Chinese funeral rituals are also influenced by religion. Buddhism is one of many religions which give meaning to life and death, hence have various definitions of the two occurrences. The first funeral rite in Chinese funeral rituals is the bathing rite. This rite is meant to cleanse the deceased off any evil elements in life and also prepare him or her for the afterlife. Next are the chanting sessions which are normally conducted by monks on a daily basis (Berhard 2007, p.3). The aim of the chanting is to intercede for the deceased with the spirit world. After this is the cremation / burial process which is normally done after a rigorous preparation of the corpse. The last rite is the collection, disposal or storage of the ashes of the deceased (Berhard 2007, p.5). Christianity also plays an important role in the Chinese funeral rituals. In Christianity, the body of the deceased is preserved in an appropriate manner for a number of days. The mourning period takes place in the home of the deceases where family and friends join together in prayer to ask for forgiveness for the deceased and also comfort the family of the deceased. During the final day, the body is laid to rest in appropriate burial ground. However, it is important to note that the ancient Chinese culture is a great influence to the Chinese funeral rituals. As indicated earlier, the Chinese are very conservative. This explains why the food and offering ceremonies and the preparation of burial sites are closely observed practices in the modern funeral rituals. Conclusion In conclusion, it can be acknowledged from this essay that the funeral rituals and rites are an important cultural practice In China. It has been seen in the essay that the rituals are influenced by the religious and cultural affiliation of the deceased. In the essay, it has come out strongly that there are various definition and meaning of life and death. The essay has given a focus on the changing meanings of the two aspects which are based on the cultural integration as a result of globalization and scientific and technological advancements. One point which has come out strongly in the essay is that the funeral rites and rituals performed on an individual are dependent on the meaning and definition of life and death upheld by the departed and the society. The essay has discussed about the five-bosom life that regarded to as a full life in the Chinese culture. The five bosom death which results from a life of marriage, giving birth to a son, earning respect in life, having a loving grandson and dying in ones sleep after a long life accords one a special and honorable funeral as opposed to a life lacking in any of the five elements. Towards the end, the essay has discussed about the Buddhist, ancient Chinese and Christian funeral rituals and rites. In the essay, it has come out strongly that the Chinese culture plays an important role in the funeral rituals hence the presences of many cultural practices in modern funerals. References Abu- Lughod, L., 1996. A Tale of two Pregnancies, Women Writing Culture Behar, R., & Gordon, D., eds. Berkeley: University of California Press. Berhard, K., 2007. A Guide To A Proper Buddhist Funeral, The World Buddhist University, Sea Park Kaufman, S., & Morgan, L., 2005. The anthropology of the Beginnings and Ends of Life, Annual Review Anthropology, 34 (3); pp. 17 – 41 Lewin, E.m 1995. On the Outside Looking in the Politics of Lesbian Motherhood, in Conceiving the New World Order: The Global Politics of Reproduction, Ginsburg, F., & Rapp, R., University of California Press Lock, M., 2002. When Bodies Outlive Persons, in Twice Dead: Organ Transplants and he Reinvention of death: University of California Press Peelen, J., 2009.Reversing the past: Monuments for Stillborn Children, Mortality: Promoting the Interdisciplinary Study of Death and Dying, Vol.14, no.2, pp.173-186 Sanders, G.,2010. The Dismal Trade As Culture Industry, Poetics, Vol.38, no. 1, pp. 47 – 68 Simon, S., 2013. Multicultural Interview – Grief in The Chinese Culture, Grief In a Family Context, Retrieved on 15th July 2013 from http://www.indiana.edu/~famlygrf/culture/simmons.html Victoria & Albert Museum, 2013. Burial Customs in China, Retrieved on 15th July 2013 from http://www.vam.ac.uk/content/articles/b/burial-customs-china/ Read More