in ChinaRural, funeralCultureIt has always played an important role, and the cumbersome funeral rites not only reflect people's thoughts and respect for the deceased, but also inherit the Chinese nationFilial piety。One of the important funeral rituals is the "Doing Seven", also known as "Zhai Seven", "Li Qi", "Burning Seven" or "Seven Seven", which refers to the followingRuralXi is that from the day of death or funeral, a memorial service is performed every seven days until 7749. In this article, I will introduce in detail the origin, process and attention of "doing seven", and share my personal thoughts on this traditional Xi.
"Do Seven" originated fromHan Chineseof funeral Xi, along with itHan ChineseThe Xi of migration and exchange gradually spread throughout the country. According to the "Northern History?".HuhNational treasuresBiography records that during the Northern and Southern Dynasties, HuNational treasuresAfter the death of the senior official, the ritual of "doing seven" began. As for why "do seven", there are two explanations. One is based on the Buddhist view that after death, a person undergoes a process called ".Bardo bodyIn this stage, the human soul will beThe NetherThe search for a new birth, and the seven-day cycle is a cycle, so people pay tribute every seven days in the hope that the deceased will find a new birth. Another explanation is that according to the "soul" theory, the ancients believed that the forty-nine souls of a person would be attached to the human body in turn on the basis of a group of seven souls, so that forty-nine days after death, one soul would be separated every seven days. Either way, it reflects people's respect and remembrance of the deceased.
The first seven: InRuralXi,The first sevenIt is considered to be the most important of seven days. On this day, the soul of the deceased goes home to visit his relatives, so the relatives have to set up a spiritual table, and they are inCemeteryBurning paper and worshipping. At noon, relatives and friends also prepare a table of meals for the deceased. In the south, there is also a Xi called "Hu Qiri", in which the eldest son breaks a rice bowl with an axe, and the whole family weeps bitterly and worships. In general,"The first sevenThe ceremonies and offerings were prepared by the eldest son.
2.Sanqi: "Sanqi" is also known as "Sanqi", the ritual of this day is relatively simple, the son and daughter-in-law order incense to the intersection to call the deceased, and then goCemeteryBurn incense and worship. In the south, daughters and sons-in-law undertake the preparation of lavish offerings, and this day is known as "Cha Mou Zi Xun".
3.Qiqi: As the last day of "doing seven", the ceremony of Qiqi is more solemn, and relatives and friends generally have to goCemeteryCollective worship. This day is also known as the "Broken Seven" or "Tail Seven", marking the end of the "Doing Seven" ceremony, and relatives can no longer wear filial piety clothes and return to their own lives.
The above are just some of the rituals of "doing seven", which have been simplified in some regions with the development of the times. Regardless of the specific ceremony, people use it to express their respect and remembrance for the deceased.
: InModern society, people have paid less and less attention to the traditional Xi of "doing seven", especiallyThe younger generationHardly ever heard of this term. However, I believe that these traditional Xi practices must have their truth and value. First of all, these ceremonies are a tribute and remembrance of the deceased, reflecting the cohesion and lineage of the family. Secondly, this traditional Xi is also correctFilial pietyemphasizes the care and respect that children have for their parents. Finally, it also makes people pay more attention to the fleeting nature of life, inspiring people to cherish the present moment and be more determined and optimistic about life.
Of course, we should not stick to tradition blindly, but should take its essence and eliminate its dross. When performing the ritual of "doing seven", it can be moderately simplified, focusing on spiritual connotation rather than cumbersome etiquette. At the same time, we should also pay attention to the physical and mental health of the living and advocate more positive funeralsCulture。Only in this way can traditional Xi be reconciledModern societycombined to maintain its long-lasting vitality.
In conclusion, I hope that everyone can pay attention to the value of traditional Xi and customsModern societyto carry forward. AlthoughThe younger generationThere is less understanding of traditional Xi customs such as "doing seven", but we can make traditional Xi customs compatible with them through moderate simplification and reasonable innovationModern societyIntegration, the continuation of the Chinese nationFilial pietySpirit. Only in this way can we better inherit the Chinese nationCultureTradition, carry forwardFilial pietyThe spirit of let'sSocialMore harmony and progress.