In the Chinese traditionCulture, the "spiritual position" and the "tablet" are the people inFuneraland common concepts in sacrifices. Although they may seem similar, they actually have very different uses and symbolic meanings. This article will detail the origins, meanings, and differences between these two types of divine thrones, and explain their different roles in different ceremonies. By understanding these differences, we can better understand traditional Chinese burialsCultureconnotation and evolution.
(1) The origin of the name of the God's throne
"Spiritual position" and "tablet" are both titles used by the people, and "Lord" is the standard title, representing the deceased deity. The ancients believed that the human soul was as mysterious and invisible as lightning, so they called it a god.
(2) The concept of soul and spirit
In the pre-Qin period, it was generally believed that there were two parts of human beings: soul and spirit, soul is soul and soul is body. The body of man will pass away, but the soul will live on. Therefore,Ancestorsof the gods are regarded as eternal beings.
In the ancient pre-Qin period, people's ** for life and soul was like a deep and mysterious journey. They divide human beings into body and soul, and regard the soul of the deceased as ever-existent, and this contemplation of the boundary between life and death has led to a series of ideas about the eternal existence of the godsBeliefs
(3) Establishment and change of the Lord
According to the Confucian classics,FuneralThe "Lord" used during the period is generally made of mulberry wood, and chestnut wood needs to be replaced after the mourning period. These deities are to be folded away as a sign of respect after the worship.
These gods accompany people through their livesFuneralDuring this period, the mulberry priest contains thoughts and mourning for the deceased, and after a hundred days, like the cycle of life, the chestnut priest enters the family temple and continues to guard the family inheritance. The transformation and continuation of this traditional ritual bears witness to the cycle of life and death.
(4) The concept of distinction between spiritual position and tablet position
Spiritual position" originates fromFuneralWorship, the "tablet" is used as a permanent object of worship in the family temple. The tablet is mainly used for worship during the mourning period, while the tablet is long-livedAncestral hallto identify the deceased's position in the family.
Expanding: When we walked into the family templeAncestral hallWhen I saw the neatly arranged tablets of the gods, it was as if I had traveled through the long river of time and felt the family history andCultureThe legacy. These tablets are like living memories, condensing the blood and emotions of the family, and carrying endless respect and sacrifice.
(5) The inheritance of the divine throne in the Ming and Qing dynasties
Ming and Qing dynastiesPeriod, family templeAncestral hallThe tablets of the gods began to be placed according to the Zhaomu lineage of the ancestors and ancestors, and were permanently displayed inAncestral halland no longer moves. This arrangement perpetuates in the family for a long time and becomes an indispensable traditional practice.
Ming and Qing dynastiesThe period was Chinese societyCultureProsperous times, family templesAncestral hallThe placement of the tablets of the gods has become more standardized, fully demonstrating the hierarchy and inheritance relationship of the family. These tablets quietly tell the story of history and witness the rise and fall of the family.
(6) Spiritual positions and tablets in auspicious and evil rituals
FuneralIt is a fierce ceremony, and the sacrifice is an auspicious ceremony. Therefore, the spiritual position is thereFuneral, which plays the role of a specific object of worship, and will be destroyed after the mourning period ends. As a part of the sacrifice, the tablet has the characteristics of eternal existence, reflecting the continuation of the family sacrifice.
In the Chinese traditionCultureThere is a difference between good and evil, and the etiquette is cumbersome and rigorous. The use of spiritual tablets and tablets in different scenes reflects people's reverence for life and death and the cherishing of family inheritance. Every worship and prayer carries people's sorrow for the deceased and gratitude to their ancestors.
(7) The sacrificial significance of the tablet
When the family is a major event, it is necessary to carry out sacrificial activities, family templesAncestral hallIt is a place of sacrifice. The object of worship is the tablet of the god, and its placement is closely related to the family inheritance and ancestral status.
When there is a major event in the family, the sacrificial ceremony is particularly important and solemn. Family TempleAncestral hallThe numerous tablets bear witness to the roots and glory of the family, and each worship is a respect and inheritance of the family tradition.
(8) The role of the spiritual position in mourning
Spiritual position asFuneralrepresents the soul of the deceased. InFuneralDuring this period, people place their minds on the spiritual position to express their sorrow and mourning for the deceased. After the mourning period is over, the spiritual position completes its mission and does not need to continue to exist.
(9) The evolution and formation of spiritual positions
The "spiritual position" is a synthesis of elements such as "inscription", "god master", and "soul silk", which are formed and passed down by the people. In the official liturgical texts, there is no "spiritual position", and this custom is likely to be formed in the late Qing Dynasty.
Every single oneCultureThe formation of customs contains a profound history andCultureBrand. Spiritual position asFuneralIt carries the memories and nostalgia of the deceased, and is also a profound experience of the impermanence of life. In this blend of tradition and reality, we see oneCultureThe inheritance is endless.
(10) The production and form of the spiritual position
The materials and shapes of the spiritual tablets are different, and they can be made of wood, bamboo, clay, cardboard, etc., or even paper or direct paper. The name of the deceased is usually written on the spiritual table, representing the existence of the deceased, and is used for shrine ceremonies.
In people's minds, there is no end to the existence and remembrance of the deceased. There are various materials and forms of making spiritual tablets, and each spiritual tablet seems to carry a piece of family history and longing emotions. The name of the deceased will remain forever and pay tribute forever.
(11) Comparison with Mingjing, Shenzhu, and Soul Silk
The spiritual position has similarities in shape and meaning with the inscription, the god and the soul silk, and is mostly manifested in writing the name of the deceased and is an important part of the shrine ceremony. These traditional elements have a specific and far-reaching symbolic meaning in the liturgy.
In ancient rituals and rituals, every subtlety carries a profoundCultureHeritage. The existence of the spiritual position forms a bloodline relationship with the inscription, the god and the soul, and they bear witness to people's nostalgia for the deceased and the inheritance of tradition.
Through the in-depth study of the spiritual position and the tablet, we not only understand the difference and connection between these two types of gods, but also feel the Chinese traditionCultureRich connotations in the concept of life and death and sacrificial rituals. Whether it is a spiritual tablet or a tablet, it carries people's cherishing and respect for life, family and tradition. In contemporary society, we can still learn from these traditionsCultureDraw strength from the world, and continue to inherit and carry forward.