Tombstones play an important role in human culture, representing respect for the deceased and meaning for future generations. However, the ancient saying "if the tombstone is not erected, the descendants will be scattered" contains profound cultural connotations, revealing that it is not a rash thing to erect a tombstone, let us explore why the monument is not erected in these four situations.
Ancient cultural traditions prohibit the erection of monuments for three years after the death of a loved one, which is not a simple Xi, but is rooted in deep thinking.
In ancient times, tombstones were usually made of stone carvings, which weighed enormously. For newly dug graves, the land is in a loose stateIf the monument is erected in a hurry at this time, it may cause the tomb to tilt or collapse, which was regarded as a bad omen by the ancients.
There is a practical consideration behind such a regulation, namely that the enormous weight of stone tombstones may pose a danger to land that has not yet been stabilized. This is not just a matter of superstition, but also to ensure the long-term stability and safety of the cemetery. By waiting for three years, the land gradually calmed down through the natural wind and rain, so that the erection of the monument at this time would not bring unstable factors.
The term dying refers to those who die at a young age or without a family. The ancients believed that these people had not yet experienced the trials of adult lifeTherefore, it cannot be considered as part of the family lineage, and therefore cannot be erected.
In ancient societies, family continuity was crucial, and this also involved the continuation and development of traditions. The rule that no monuments should be erected for the deceased reflects the ancient concept of family continuity, believing that these minors cannot contribute anything to the continuation of the family.
In their eyes, there are only people who are adults and can contribute to the inheritance and development of the familyto be eligible to be commemorated and erected. It is also based on the expectation and respect for the family's legacy and the prosperity of future generations.
This traditional provision is also closely related to the ancient society's perception of adulthood and family responsibilities. The ancients believed that family responsibilities and social obligations could only be assumed after adulthood, and the death of minors was regarded as an unfinished life, so it could not be included in the scope of family sacrifices.
Horizontal death, in ancient times, refers to those situations of death caused by sudden accidents or unnatural deaths, such as suicide. ThisThis type of death was considered unlucky by the ancients and could bring bad luck or bad omen.
In ancient society, there were special taboos and avoidances about the dead. Because of this belief, family members often choose not to erect a monument at the grave of the deceased in order to avoid arousing discussion and suspicion among neighbors.
They believe that the manner in which the deceased died may have an unfortunate and ominous impact on their families, and in order to avoid discussion and speculation among neighbors, families usually choose not to erect a monument after the deceased is buried. Such an approach,On the one hand, it avoids unnecessary rumorsOn the other hand, it is also a kind of silent respect for the deceased.
The purpose of avoiding the erection of the monument is not only to avoid bad omen, but also to give the deceased a sense of tranquility and avoid unnecessary negative influences on the family and future generations.
In ancient societies, passing on the family line was an important responsibility and was seen as a great mission. Under this concept, if a person fails to leave a descendant during his lifetime, he is disqualified from erecting a monument after his death. Because the tombstone is largely intended for future generations to worship and commemorate,If the deceased has no descendants, the monument loses its meaning.
This concept has also become part of the ancient family tradition. It is believed that a tombstone without descendants will lack an object of worship and remembrance, so the monument will lose its meaning for the deceased. This notion not only influences the decision to erect a monument, but also motivates families to take the action of adopting or carrying on the mission.
This notion of succession has pushed ancient families to find ways to pass on their responsibilities. If a person has no offspring,They often choose to adopt a relative or a child in the family, or choose to pass on the mission to others.
In this way, it is possible to ensure that the deceased is worshipped and commemorated, and at the same time, the family is guaranteed to pass on and continue. This notion had a profound impact on society at the time, as it was believed that the existence of future generations was essential to the deceased and the continuation of the family. As a symbol of inheritance and commemoration, if there is no inheritance of the tombstone, it will lose the value of existence.
With the change of the times, the traditional concept has gradually faded, and the erection of tombstones is no longer strictly restricted。Modern society pays more attention to individual respect and the diversification of ways of commemoration. However, respecting ancestors and inheriting family culture are still the core. There are also various ways to commemorate memorials, including not only tombstones, but also memorials and virtual memorials. Modern people place more emphasis on personalized remembrance and respect for the deceased.
Despite the change in regulations, filial piety remains at the core of the culture. It is even more important to be filial while your parents are alive. The combination of respect for traditional culture and individual wishes has become a sincere way for modern people to commemorate the deceased.
"The tombstone is not erected, and the descendants are scattered" is the embodiment of ancient cultureBut with the development of society, this traditional provision has become more inclusive in contemporary times. The ways of commemorating the deceased are becoming more and more diverse, but filial piety and respect are still important bonds in cultural continuity.
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