Some Lesser Known Facts on Taoist Funeral Rites

To Start With -

In this regard, we can undoubtedly say that it is very important for the people of every country and community in the world to pay their last respects to their loved ones. Although it is a mundane program, there are many spiritual aspects involved. By performing the funeral properly, people believe that the soul of the loved one will be able to travel to heaven. People never want to make any mistakes in the last duty done for loved ones.

China, like any other country in the world, has a wide variety of funeral customs and rituals across such a large area. It is considered particularly important among Taoists. There are many unknowns that we don't know about their Taoist Funeral Rites. Through today's discussion, we will get an opportunity to think about all those aspects.

Facts to Know about Taoist Funeral Rites

Now we first need to be clear about what are the main pillars of Taoist ideology. It is believed that the people of this ancient sect mainly followed some of the ideologies of Taoism Buddhism and some of the teachings of Confucius. The combination of these ideologies has created a unique concept of life after death among these people. From childhood they are made interested in serving their parents so that they can beautify their life hereafter. Naturally funeral matters are also somewhat different for Taoists.

·         The death announcement

It can undoubtedly be said that despite being a very ancient religious sect, the influence of modernity has begun to creep in among the Taoists. However, it has been observed that not much modernity has yet entered into the death customs and funeral rituals. When a person dies, after the death is confirmed, it is announced to everyone according to several traditional rules. Spreading the news from family members to friends and neighbors is an important function of this imaging system. Such an announcement is usually made through a form notification by a trusted family member. This procedure is done with full respect.

The need for such an announcement is to get help and support from all family members and acquaintances during the funeral. Moreover, in this kind of event, a gathering has to be made and the memory of the loved one is commemorated among all. In all these respects death announcement is an important aspect of a funeral process.

·         Arrangement of decorations and offerings

Among the various post-death rituals according to Taoism, one of the most important aspects is proper placement of the dead body and proper decoration of the surroundings. By making such decorations, the soul is allowed to stay comfortably in the afterlife. Many times it is seen that people of this particular religious community while bidding farewell to their loved ones arrange food, fruits and several materials needed for their daily casual life. Perhaps the belief operates among them that a comfortable stay is possible in the afterlife if he has some essentials with him.

Let's come to the topic of decoration. Different types of flowers are usually used for decoration. Besides, now-a-days various memorials are being recorded through different banners and along with this the whole thing is beautifully decorated with the picture of the deceased. In this context it is good to inform you that according to Taoism there are several Taoist Funeral Rites and specific guidelines that have to be followed in providing such decorations and offerings to the deceased. Especially which side of the house will be decorated and which door will be used are very important. Moreover, if the picture of the dead person is used, where the picture will be kept, these things should also be done according to the comment of the priest or an expert.

·         Family members' part in the ceremony

There is no denying that a family is of utmost importance in a person's life. As a person is associated with his family throughout his life, so the field of rituals after his death cannot be different from the family. Rather, it can be said that family members play a significant role in enforcing such norms. A particular member of the family is given a little more importance or has to take a little more responsibility for the funeral and all the rituals that are done to keep his memory alive for the rest of his life.

It is generally seen that as long as the situation of mourning exists, the family members have to wear a special type of clothing i.e. mourning clothes. It can be either white or black. Again it is the responsibility of the eldest son of the deceased to arrange all the funeral arrangements properly with the help of other family members. Among the various programs related to the funeral, family members have to observe several rituals, starting from offering light to the departed soul to paying respects to him with flowers.

·         Burial and mourning

Various funeral programs and Taoist Funeral Rites are done through burial and mourning. Burials are usually completed by people of religious communities through various rules and regulations that have been followed over the centuries. Usually an area is demarcated especially in urban areas where the dead person is left forever after the cremation. If burial is done on land, the land is prepared with great care.

Various decorations are done here with flowers and candles. When the loved one is sent to the grave, various things and food items are given along with him. Then after burying him, the whole affair is completed by paying respects to the deceased and the ancestors are worshipped for a peaceful afterlife of the person.

Wrapping Up -

A country as large as China is home to numerous religious communities and each has its own set of funeral rites. We should allow every religious community to work according to their rituals and respect their rituals.