Funeral Falling: A Deeply Rooted Traditional Custom
In the ancient Chinese tradition, funeral rites are an extremely solemn and complex process, among which the link of "throwing pots" is particularly eye-catching. This custom not only reflects deep mourning for the deceased, but also contains rich cultural connotations and symbolic meanings.
Claim 1: Leave out the ecstasy soup and protect the peace of the deceased
In folklore, there is a royal mother in the underworld, who will force the deceased to drink ecstasy soup on their way to the underworld, making them unconscious, so that they cannot be reborn. To avoid this, the bereaved family prepares a clay pot with an eye. The peculiarity of this clay pot is that its eyes can leak out the ecstasy soup, ensuring that the deceased remains awake on the way to the underworld. When the bar was raised, the pot was broken by the eldest son, implying that the deceased had successfully avoided the Ecstasy soup and was able to travel peacefully to the other world. If the father dies, the eldest son falls with his left hand; If the mother dies, the right hand is used. If the pot is not broken, it is taboo to fall again, usually broken by the pole lifter.
Saying 2: The year is safe, and the sorrow and prayer are sustened
Another theory is that throwing the pot is a funeral custom that means "peace and security". As the deceased is about to be buried, the shattering of this pot symbolizes that the deceased has been freed from the shackles of the world and has attained eternal peace. At the same time, it also conveys the sorrow and prayers of the living to the deceased, hoping that they can be safe and happy in another world.
In the process of throwing pots, there are also strict rules on the identity of the person who throws the pot. Usually, the eldest son of the family breaks the pot, which symbolizes that he is the heir of the family and has the responsibility to see off the deceased. If the eldest son is absent or unable to perform this duty, other immediate family members, such as the eldest son and the second son, will be responsible in turn. If there is no immediate family member in the family, the nephew of the unmarried cousin who is closest to the blood of the family with the same surname can break the pot. This rule reflects the importance of family lineage and respect for the deceased.
Falling the pot plays an important role in the funeral ceremony. It is not only a custom, but also a cultural inheritance and emotional sustenance. By throwing the pot, the living express their deep sorrow and reluctance to the deceased, and at the same time pray for peace and happiness for the deceased in the other world.