Wake the Spirit: Duty, Duty and Affection
A wake is the act of guarding the deceased in a mourning hall during the funeral period. Whether it's a family funeral or other occasion, wakes are a common cultural tradition. So, who must keep the spirit, who can keep the spirit, and is it a duty or a duty? Now, let's explore this topic.
There are no specific restrictions on who can be watched. Anyone, including family members, relatives, friends, colleagues, neighbors, and passers-by, can hold a vigil if they have the will, without any taboos. Keeping the spirit is not only a duty and obligation, but also a kind of heart and affection. For family members, the wakes are a task and a responsibility that requires the last care for the deceased. For relatives, friends, and other outsiders, the wakes are voluntary and affectionate. Theoretically, anyone who participates in the funeral can hold a vigil. Funeral is an important part of ancestral culture, and it also reflects the noble spiritual feelings of the Chinese. Therefore, if someone wants to hold a vigil, they should do it without hesitation and without any scruples.
Filial piety, as the greatest manifestation of filial piety to parents, must be guarded. Brothers, uncles, nephews, and other persons who are related to the deceased should also hold a vigil. According to the ancient ritual texts "Rites" and "Rites", filial sons should be in the bedroom next to the mourning hall on the night during the funeral period. Brothers, uncles and nephews can sleep in rooms near the mourning hall. These regulations reflect the importance of respecting elders and emphasizing family affection in ancient Chinese family concepts. In "Dream of Red Mansions", there are also scenes that describe Jia Zhen, Jia Rong, Jia Lian and other descendants of Jiafu. Therefore, it can be concluded that filial sons, brothers, uncles and nephews, etc., are all people who should keep the spirit.
In addition to the immediate family, relatives with a foreign surname or other people who have a deep relationship with the deceased can also hold the vigil. Out of affection, they are reluctant to leave, and they hope to express their grief and remembrance for the deceased in this way. One example is Lin Biao's cousin Zhang Hao, who is one of the old members of the Chinese Communist Party. He has guarded the spirit once and carried the coffin once in his life, and these two times are the same person, that is, his cousin Lin Biao. This kind of vigil that expresses deep feelings through practical actions demonstrates the sincere friendship between people. Therefore, relatives with a foreign surname or other people who have a deep relationship with the deceased can choose to wake the spirit.
In general, waking is not only a duty and obligation, but also a manifestation of affection. During the funeral period, filial sons, brothers, uncles and nephews and other immediate family members are responsible for keeping a vigil. At the same time, relatives with a foreign surname or other people who have a deep affection for the deceased can also choose to hold the vigil. Whoever has the will to wake the spirit can express their feelings of mourning and remembrance for the deceased.
Through the discussion and analysis of the vigil, we can find that the wake, which is not only a continuation of traditional culture, but also the last care for the deceased. Whether in modern or ancient society, wakes have a universal presence and importance. The wakes are not only a ritual, but also a remembrance and memorial service for the deceased. In the busy and noisy life, the wake gives people a space to think quietly, and feel the true meaning of life and death in thinking. Therefore, the meaning of the wake is much more than a superficial act, it is a continuation of the eternal memory of the deceased and the sincere feelings between people.
Summary:
Through the discussion of the wake, we can draw the following conclusions: First, the wakes are a responsibility and obligation that need to be borne by family members, immediate family members. Secondly, the wakes are also a kind of affection, and relatives with foreign surnames or other people who have a deep affection for the deceased can also choose to wake the spirits. Finally, the wake is not only a ritual, but also a continuation of the eternal memory of the deceased and the sincere feelings between people.