The question of why the deceased should wear a shroud has plagued people since ancient times.
In China, as a traditional cultural custom, shroud has a profound cultural heritage and rich symbolic significance. Next, let's take a look at the origin of the shroud.
According to historical records, the origin of shroud can be traced back to ancient times. At that time, it was believed that death was not the end of life, but a transition in which the deceased would enter another world.
In order to make the deceased live a better life in the other world, people prepared rich clothes, food and utensils for them, including shrouds.
In ancient China, there were strict regulations on the production and selection of shrouds. Generally speaking, the material of the shroud is required to be dignified and luxurious, such as silk, cotton and linen. In terms of color, red represents festivity, implying that the deceased's life in another world is full of happiness and joy; Yellow symbolizes power and status, implying that the deceased enjoys a high status in the new world; White represents purity and immaculateness, implying that the soul of the deceased has been purified and sublimated.
Over time, the styles and styles of shrouds have evolved. In China's traditional shroud, the common styles are robes, gowns, pants, etc., and the clothes are often embroidered with auspicious patterns and words, such as longevity, blessing, lotus, peony, etc. These patterns and words imply good wishes for the deceased's happiness and well-being in the other world.
In addition to clothing, the matching of shrouds is also very particular. Generally, accessories such as hats, shoes, socks, etc. are also included in the shroud set. These accessories should not only complement the clothing, but also symbolize the happy life of the deceased in another world. For example, the jade cicada on the hat means that the soul of the deceased can escape from reincarnation and ascend to heaven; The lotus pattern on the shoes symbolizes the purity of the soul of the deceased.
In general, shrouds, as a traditional custom, carry people's sorrows and wishes for the deceased. In the long history, the evolution and development of shroud has witnessed the richness and diversity of China's traditional culture. Today, although modern society has changed in many ways, the traditional custom of shroud is still preserved in some regions, and it continues to pass on the deep sorrow and good wishes. With the development of society, the production and selection of shrouds have also undergone some changes. On the basis of tradition, modern shrouds pay more attention to practicality and comfort, but also pay more attention to personalization. Some shroud manufacturers have introduced custom apparels that can be tailored to the personality and preferences of the deceased, so that the deceased can show their own style and taste in another world.