An article for In Repose, by Jamie Sue Austin
In
the United States, like in
much of the world, offerings or tributes to the dead are quite common. Wreaths and flowers laid across tombstones
during Memorial Day are a form of ancestor worship we are all
accustomed
to. The term “ancestor worship” tends to
dredge up images of primitive pagan cultures worshiping their
grandfathers as
God, but the practice of showing respect and honor to the dead is alive
and
well in the 21st century. From candlelight vigils to roadside shrines, ancestor veneration
(a more
apt term) is all around us, and an integral part of society and the
grieving
process.
The
intensity of belief in the
power of ancestors to affect the physical living world varies from
culture to
culture. Offerings vary as well
depending on the region. In the US
flowers, wreaths, candles, even small plush animals or toys are common
forms of
tribute given to the dead. In the
southern United States offerings of food, jewelry, and incense can be
seen. Statues and monuments to the dead are
common
as well. In fact, some of our most
famous national monuments, such as Mt. Rushmore and the Lincoln
Memorial are
colossal displays of ancestor veneration. Memorial Day is a nationally recognized holiday for honoring the
dead. Easter, All Soul’s Day, and
Candelmas are commonly respected days for ancestor veneration in the US
as
well.
Outside
of the US ancestor
veneration is just as common. In China,
long thought of as a place of strong ancestral and filial ties,
tributes to the
dead come in a variety of forms. Depending on the belief system, some group offer tributes as a
means of
caring for their elders in the after life. Paper versions of common everyday objects are often burned as
offerings
to ancestors who in turn are believed to act as “guardian angels” by
preventing
serious misfortune. The belief that
those who have passed before us are somehow looking over our shoulders
and
protecting us from harm is common even in the United States. A common Chinese offering is Joss paper, a
form of spiritual money, burned to provide wealth for those living in
the
afterlife. Joss paper is often red or
yellow with a foil stamp in the center. Hell
Notes are another form of spiritual money
commonly used in China. They are bills,
sometimes fashioned after western money, in excessively large
denominations. Aside from paper money, other
objects are
often offered to the dead such as paper mâché cards,
boats, houses, credit cards, and electronics. Incense, candles, and small food items often accompany these
offerings. All through China and Singapore the
Hungry
Ghost Festival is celebrated, much in the way that Halloween is
celebrated in
the US, with the addition of offerings to the dead and lots of food. Vietnam has similar customs using incense,
candles, and Hell Notes as offering. Often Vietnamese families will prepare large meals for family
gatherings
and as an offering to the dead.
Traditions
of ancestor veneration
are not confined to eastern societies. In Egypt the influence of ancestors is very great. Large, expensive tombs were created to
protect the remains of the departed. Bodies were ritualistically purified then mummified to preserve
them for
use in the after life. Food, money,
furniture, spices, clothing, and sometimes even pets and servants were
buried
with the dead to ensure their comfort on the other side. During Samhain, in Ireland, it is believed
that the veil between the living and the dead is thin. Food, light, and incense are left for the
dead. A place is set at the table for
any relatives who have passed within the last year. Samhain
is observed by neo-pagans in the
United States, Great Britain, Canada, and Australia as well. Modern Halloween customs have their origins
in the holiday of Samhain. Other popular
holidays celebrating death include All Saints Day, All Souls Day, and
Day of
the Dead.
In
Mexico, Day of the Dead
celebrations include decorating gravesites and leaving gifts. Gifts range from flowers and toys to bottles
of alcohol and candy. The home is also
decorated for the event and offerings of food and drink are left out. Images of skulls are popular Day of the Dead
decorations, though most skeletons and skulls look less scary than
whimsical. Skulls made from sugar and decorated
with
icing are given to both the living and the dead. Images of the Virgin
Mary are
also very popular. Overall the
decorations and mood are much more colorful and bright during Day of
the Dead than
other during similar holidays.
Regardless
of the tradition,
almost every individual is accustomed to some form of ancestor
veneration. It is hard to imagine a world in
which no
amount of care or concern was given to the dead. Perhaps
it is an important part of the human
psyche to believe that a connection with a loved one can remain after
death. Or maybe, in honoring others, we
ensure that ourselves will not be forgotten.
Many fine articles by Jamie Sue and others can be found at the Resource Forum on In Repose
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