In traditional Chinese funeral customs, the first seven days are considered to be an important time for the soul of the deceased to return home, so it is common for people to prepare some specific offerings and rituals for the deceased on the first seven days. Here are some common first seven preparations:
1.Preparation of offerings: On the first seven days, it is common to prepare offerings such as fruits, snacks, flowers, etc., which represent remembrance and respect for the deceased.
2.Burning incense: On the first seven days, people usually burn incense for the deceased to show respect and remembrance for the deceased.
3.Burning paper money: On the first seven days, people usually burn paper money for the deceased, which is a traditional Chinese ritual to express blessings and remembrance for the deceased.
4.Firecrackers: In some areas, firecrackers are set off on the first seven days of the day to welcome and bid farewell to the deceased.
5.Condolences: On the first seven days, family members and friends will go to cemeteries or mourning halls to pay their respects to the deceased.
The above are some of the common first seven preparations, and there may be some special rituals and customs in different regions. It is important to note that these customs and rituals have no scientific basis and are simply a way for people to express their remembrance and respect for the deceased.
However, in traditional Chinese culture, funeral customs are an important part, which reflects people's respect and remembrance of the deceased. There are mainly the following aspects of funeral customs:
1.Funeral: When a loved one passes away, friends and relatives come to see them off and hold a funeral together. At the funeral, worship ceremonies are held, paper money is burned, wreaths are laid, etc.
2.Feng Shui Cemetery: People pay attention to Feng Shui and will choose a good cemetery to bury the deceased. The location, shape, and tombstones of the cemetery are all carefully selected to bless future generations.
3.Bereavement: After the death of a loved one, mourn for them. The duration of mourning varies from region to culture, but usually ranges from 3 months to 3 years. During the mourning period, it is necessary to wear filial piety clothes, perform filial piety rituals, and keep a wake, etc., to show mourning and nostalgia for the deceased.
4.Sacrifice: Sacrifice is the commemoration and remembrance of the deceased, and it is also the embodiment of filial piety. People will carry out sacrificial activities on festivals such as Qingming Festival, Zhongyuan Festival, and Chung Yeung Festival to express their nostalgia for the deceased.
These funeral customs all embody the spirit of filial piety, gratitude, and respect in traditional Chinese culture, which are not only respect for the deceased, but also reverence and cherishment of life.