INTERNATIONAL THEOSOPHY CONFERENCES

VIDEOS & THEOSOPHY

 

DEATH AND DYING

 

SWEEPING THE GRAVES

A basic tenet of Confucianism is the veneration of one's elders. Even upon death, Chinese ancestors are still considered to be an important part of the family requiring as much attention as they did when they were alive.  Family members continue to pray to them for guidance and protection -- making offerings of their favorite food, wine and even paper money to spend in the spirit world.  Another important Chinese tradition of venerating deceased ancestors involves visiting the gravesite to sweep it, plant flowers and bring offerings of food.
Jan Lee, a third-generation Chinatown, New York resident describes this tradition. "The connection to the ancestors is something that I think we all feel important to us," Lee explains.   "So it's never been an idea of obligation.  It's our choice."

http://www.pbs.org/wnet/religionandethics/week1146/belief.html