We all know that after death, people are buried in the earth, and the coffin is a tool used to hold the corpse. However, when the coffin is made, the final step is to nail the coffin. Why is that? Today, we're going to solve this age-old mystery.
2. Historical origins
The custom of nailing nails in coffins originated from the ancient concept of funerary burial. In ancient times, it was believed that the soul remained in the body after death, or was attached to a coffin.
To prevent the soul from leaving the body or the coffin, people will put nails into the coffin as a way to pray for the protection and blessing of the soul. In addition, the nail also has the function of fixing the coffin, preventing the coffin from moving or tipping.
3. Cultural implications
In many cultures, the nails on the coffin also have a special meaning. For example, in traditional Chinese culture, the number of nails on a coffin has a special meaning.
Generally speaking, the number of nails in the coffin is five, seven, nine or eleven, and these numbers represent the meaning of "five blessings", "seven stars shining high", "ninety-nine double yang" and "ten perfect" in traditional culture.
In addition, the arrangement of the nails is also particular, such as the "plum blossom nail", which means that the deceased will stand proudly in the snow like plum blossoms in the next life, with noble character and tenacious vitality.
4. Philosophy of Life and Death
From the perspective of the philosophy of life and death, nails in the coffin represent respect and remembrance of life. Although people are dead, the spirit and memory of the deceased still affect family members and friends, and their stories, qualities and contributions will live on forever. Therefore, nailing a nail in the coffin is also a kind of respect and remembrance for the deceased.
V. Conclusions
To sum up, the custom of nailing nails on coffins originates from ancient funeral concepts and cultural implications, and is also a reflection and respect for the philosophy of life and death.
This custom not only has practical value, but also contains profound cultural connotations and life philosophy. We should respect and pass on this traditional custom, and at the same time, we should also
It should be recognized that in modern society, with the change of people's ideas and the innovation of funeral methods, some traditional customs have gradually faded out of our lives.
However, we should still preserve and inherit the custom of nailing nails in coffins, because it is not only a cultural symbol, but also a kind of reverence and remembrance of life.
6. Modern thinking
First of all, we should recognize that this is a traditional culture with a long history, which represents people's respect and remembrance of life.
Secondly, we should think about how to combine this tradition with modern funeral methods to make it more in line with the needs and concepts of modern society.
For example, environmentally friendly and scientific burial methods, such as sea burial, tree burial, etc., can be adopted, while retaining the traditional form of the coffin and nailing symbolic nails to the coffin.
VII. Conclusion
When people are dead, why do they need nails in coffins? The answer lies in the historical origins, cultural implications, and philosophy of life and death behind this custom. Although times are changing, our reverence for life and remembrance should not change.
Let us cherish and pass on this traditional custom, and at the same time think about how to combine it with modern funeral methods to leave a better and more harmonious living environment for our future generations.