When a person dies, remembrance and respect are the most basic expressions of the deceased. And the saying "no matter how hungry you are, don't eat the grave offering" is a warning to people not to offend even if they are hungrySacrificeThe bottom line, don't go and eat the tribute before the grave. So why can't you eat it? This is because it is believed that the offerings at the grave are prepared to pay tribute to the ancestors, and to take them home and distribute them to the family for consumption is an expression of respect. In ancient times, people lived in poverty, and meat, pasta, fruits, and wine were rare to pay tributeLuxuryNot every family can easily buy it.
Moreover, the meaning of placing the tribute in front of the grave is to give offerings to the ancestors, and if you eat the tribute in front of the grave, it is not only disrespectful to the ancestors, but also has the possibility of angering the ghosts and gods. In ancient times, people believed that if the tribute was placed for a long time, it would be eaten by evil spirits, and it might even cause supernatural events and be haunted by ghosts. Therefore, complySacrificeThe rule of not eating the tribute before the grave is a manifestation of respect for the coexistence of ghosts and gods, and it is also for oneselfMoral bottom linePerseverance.
In addition, consider the actual situation, inSacrificeAt the end of the ceremony, the tribute will be polluted by the fly ash of paper money and dust in the air, and it is not appropriate to eat the tribute before the grave from the point of view of hygiene. Moreover, in ancient times, due to special circumstances such as famine, people had to go to the grave to look for tributes to eat, but often due to the deterioration of the tributes, food poisoning. Therefore, this proverb warns people not to be greedy for appetite, not to be morally corrupt, to have a bottom line and dignity, and not to be easily offendedSacrificeRequirements, do not eat the offerings before the grave.
"Human stool" refers to the ancient princes and nobles who used other people's bodies as stools to sit on when they traveled. Whether they get on a horse or a car, they have to step on the body of others as a step. And the saying "no matter how tired you are, don't sit on a human stool" is a warning to people that even if they are tired, don't treat others as their own stools. This is not only a sign of respect for the dignity of others, but also a call for fairness and equality.
In ancient times, princes and nobles enjoyed privileges and high positions, and in order to highlight their noble status, they would have someone to act as a human flesh stool when they traveled. This kind of behavior seems to be showing the nobility of status, but in fact, it is trampling on the dignity of others and using others as props. People should be equal and respectful of each other, and everyone should be just and respected, regardless of status. Through this proverb, we should act with love and respect, don't use others as our own stepping stones, and stick to themMoral bottom lineto treat others with equality and respect.
However, withSocialThe situation has changed now. For example, in family and lover relationships, sitting on each other's lap and resting has become a sign of affection. But even so, we should be mindful of the occasion and respect the feelings of others. In public, especially in front of strangers, this behavior may cause discomfort and misunderstanding in others, so the dignity and privacy of others should still be respected.
Although the meaning of this proverb may seem simple, there is a profound moral concept behind it. It teaches us to have a bottom line and dignity and not to be rightSacrificeand the dignity of others is offended at will. People should be good whether they are rich or poorMoral bottom line。When faced with material desires, learn to refuse. In addition, in interpersonal interactions, we should insist on equality, respect, and care, and do not use others as stepping stones for ourselves. Only by respecting others can harmony be establishedRelationshipsto jointly build a civilized and orderlySocial。Being a human being must have a bottom line and dignity, which is a life principle that each of us should keep in mind.