In the long history of China, ancestor worship is not only a custom, but also a cultural tradition that goes deep into the bone marrow. It carries the admiration and nostalgia of future generations for their ancestors, and also embodies the ethics and morality of the Chinese nation of respecting the old and loving the young, and attaching importance to family affection. Under such a tradition, the ancient adage of "three people do not go to the grave, and the descendants will prosper" seems to be a bright lamp, illuminating the road of sacrifice and guiding people not to follow certain rules and principles when remembering their ancestors.
So, what are the three types of people referred to by these "three people"?
In the ancient and mysterious land of China, pregnant women, the sacred carrier of life, are like a greenhouse waiting for flowers to bloom, which is pregnant with hopes and dreams for the future. Her body, though seemingly fragile, is full of endless power and mysteries. Her slightly bulging abdomen symbolizes the continuation and inheritance of life, and was given the sacred title of "carrying six armors" by the ancients.
In those ancient times, people revered life and worshiped their mothers. Pregnant women, as the cradle of life, are naturally seen as sacred and mystical beings. Their every move tugs at the heartstrings of their families, as if every step carries hope for the future. Against this backdrop, in order to protect the safety of mothers and children, traditional customs were developed to prohibit pregnant women from engaging in activities that were considered unlucky.
The custom of going to the grave was extremely popular in ancient times. During the Qingming season, people will go to the cemetery of their ancestors to offer their condolences and respects. However, for pregnant women, such activities are considered contraindicated. Because in the concept of the ancients, the act of going to the grave was often accompanied by mourning and grief, and this atmosphere may have a negative impact on the physical and mental state of the pregnant woman, and even lead to adverse consequences.
Therefore, in order to protect the health of pregnant women and fetuses, traditional customs clearly stipulate that pregnant women are not allowed to participate in grave activities. This regulation not only reflects the reverence of the ancients for life, but also demonstrates their deep care for the safety of mothers and children. And this is the first situation in "three people do not go to the grave".
In traditional Chinese culture, going to the grave is a solemn ritual to remember the ancestors and express sorrow. However, you may notice that children are rarely seen in these ceremonies. What is the meaning of this?
Let's go back to that innocent, inquisitive childhood. In those days, it was like a colorful picture, and every corner was filled with the innocent laughter and infinite imagination of children. Their world is as gorgeous as a dream, as if all the good things beckoned to them, and hope and happiness are like the fragrance of flowers in the air, permeating every corner.
However, in this colorful world, the heavy topics of death and funeral rituals are like a dark cloud, blocking the sunlight in front of them. For children, these concepts are like shadows in the fog, vague and incomprehensible. They can't understand why those who were once full of life and vitality suddenly disappear into this world and become an eternal silence.
When children are first exposed to these sad and painful scenes, they may feel inexplicable confusion and fear inside. They may be afraid of those black and white **, afraid of those adults who are dressed in black and have solemn expressions. They may silently ask themselves in their minds, "Why are these people crying?" Why did they leave us? ”
This fear and confusion, if left unguided and dealt with, is likely to leave a shadow in the hearts of children. They may begin to fear loss, fear of parting, fear of the unknown and mysterious.
Moreover, in ancient times, in the depths of people's hearts, the soul of a child was regarded as pure as a mountain stream, as innocent as the brightest star in the night sky. Their souls are like a piece of jade that has not yet been polished, containing natural warmth and brilliance, but it is also extremely fragile and can be shattered at the touch of a button.
For the ancients, worldly sorrows and sorrows were like a heavy haze that would obscure the light of the soul and make it lose its original purity. Therefore, they are convinced that the soul of a child needs to be cared for like a precious flower, away from the distractions and sorrows of the world. They hope that these pure souls can be like birds, flying freely in the carefree sky and feeling the beauty and joy of life.
In order to protect these precious souls, traditional customs often strictly prohibit children from participating in grave visits. Because in their view, going to the grave is something that is directly related to death, full of sorrow and heaviness. The souls of small children are too fragile to withstand such an atmosphere, their innocence and carefree will be destroyed, and their souls may be polluted.
Therefore, during the Qingming season, the adults will hold solemn and solemn sacrifices, while the children will be arranged to play elsewhere, away from those sad atmospheres.
In addition, children's bodies are more delicate than adults, their resistance is weak, and they are easily affected by the external environment and get sick. Grave activities often need to be carried out outdoors, and the environment is complex and changeable, which is a big challenge for the health of children. Therefore, in order to protect the health of children and prevent them from getting sick due to their participation in grave visits, children are generally not allowed to participate in traditional customs.
The older elders, they are like a stable mountain in the family, and the traces of time are engraved on their wrinkled faces, giving them incomparable majesty and dignity. These old people are the witnesses of the family history and the inheritors of the family tradition. Every move they make reveals a deep and far-reaching cultural heritage.
In this ancient land of China, the traditional virtue of respecting the elderly has a long history and is deeply rooted in the hearts of the people. The elders of higher seniority, they enjoy a high status in the family, they are the backbone of the family, and their wisdom and experience are the most valuable wealth of the family. Their existence has allowed the family to stand tall in the midst of ups and downs, passed down from generation to generation.
However, despite their noble status, they did not personally participate in certain occasions, such as ancestor burial ceremonies. It's not because they're not respected, on the contrary, it's the highest respect for them. In the eyes of the younger generation of the family, the older people have already paid too much for the family, and their bodies can no longer withstand the long journeys and heavy rituals. Therefore, the younger generations will take up this responsibility spontaneously to show their respect and gratitude for the elderly.
This arrangement not only reflects the respect and care for the elderly of higher seniority, but also allows them to enjoy the peace and comfort they deserve in their old age. Under the care of the younger generations, they can enjoy their old age in peace and no longer have to worry about the trivial matters of the family. The younger generations inherit the family's beliefs and culture through sacrificial activities, so that the family's honor and responsibility can be continued.
Going to the grave, this solemn sacrificial activity, carries the profound traditional culture and family feelings of the Chinese nation. It is not only the admiration and remembrance of ancestors, but also the continuation and inheritance of family bloodline. At this special moment, every detail is filled with awe and solemnity.
In the traditional Chinese calendar, the Qingming Festival and the Cold Food Festival are days that carry a heavy historical and cultural connotation. During these days, the members of the family seem to be drawn by ancient traditions, and a mysterious power swells in the depths of their hearts, allowing them to consciously or unconsciously embark on the journey to the ancestral tomb.
A few days before these days, the family members began to get busy preparing for the upcoming ancestor worship activities. They turned out the long-dusted sacrificial vessels, wiped them clean, and placed them neatly. Incense, candles, wine, offerings, etc. are all available, each of which carries their respect and remembrance of their ancestors.
On that day, the family members woke up early, changed into decent clothes, and tidied up their appearance. There was no excessive expression on their faces, but there was a determined light in their eyes, which was admiration and respect for their ancestors. Carrying the prepared belongings, they silently walked out of the house and set out on the road to the ancestral grave.
Along the way, they were silent, as if they were being pulled by a mysterious force, and their hearts were full of thoughts and respect for their ancestors. They walked through the fields, through the villages, over the hills, and every step seemed so heavy and determined. They seem to feel the souls of their ancestors watching them from afar, which is a kind of kinship connected by blood, a kind of longing through time and space.
When they finally arrived at the ancestral tomb, they respectfully arranged the offerings, lit incense and candles, and poured wine. Family members then worship their ancestors in order of generation and age. They reverently burned incense, offered wine, and offered sacrifices, and every movement was filled with awe and solemnity. At the same time, they will also recite the memorial texts and express their nostalgia and respect for the ancestors in sincere language. These memorial texts are often sincere and moving.
After the worship, family members will sit around the ancestral grave to reminisce about the rise and fall of the family and talk about the future development of the family. They pray for the blessings and blessings of their ancestors, hoping that the family will prosper and that future generations will continue to pass on the fine traditions and culture of the family.
In this process, family members pay great attention to their words and deeds. They kept quiet and solemn, and did not make loud noises, much less quarrels and strife. They are well aware that the solemn atmosphere of the sacrifice needs to be maintained by everyone, which is a respect for the ancestors and the inheritance of family traditions.
At the same time, family members are also very concerned about safety. They would clear weeds and level the land around the ancestral grave to ensure that the rituals went smoothly. At the same time, they remind each other to stay safe and avoid accidents.
Although these three groups of people cannot personally participate in the grave visit, their presence and blessing are equally important. During the family sacrifice, they will pray silently in their hearts to send the most sincere blessings to the souls of their ancestors, and also pray for the blessings of their ancestors for the prosperity and prosperity of the family.
Going to the grave to worship is not only a nostalgia and respect for ancestors, but also a manifestation of family cohesion. On this special occasion, family members come together to remember their ancestors and recall the family's history and heritage. They follow the ancient etiquette, one step at a time, one candle and one incense, to express their respect and gratitude to their ancestors. They pray for the blessings of their ancestors, hoping that their families will prosper and that their descendants will prosper.
In this process, the affection between family members is deepened and the cohesion of the family is strengthened. They share the admiration and nostalgia for their ancestors, and also share the expectations and responsibilities for the future of the family. This kind of emotional exchange and collision makes the family bond closer, and also lays a solid foundation for the growth and development of future generations.
Therefore, the phrase "if three people do not go to the grave, the descendants will prosper" is not only a kind of protection and care for pregnant women, children and minors, but also a good wish for the prosperity and prosperity of the whole family. It embodies the wisdom and emotion of traditional Chinese culture, and also conveys people's piety and respect for ancestors. In this ancient and deep cultural tradition, we feel the strength and warmth of the family, as well as the admiration and nostalgia for our ancestors.