Culture - A funny little thing

I've always found culture and ritual fascinating. When I was contemplating a degree in Forensic Anthropology I loved all the Social Anthropology electives. I was mesmerized by the idea of how cultures can take the same thing and turn it into something completely different and unique to their own society. Wonder where I'm going with this? Well, there is a significant holiday that occurs during April in China; April 5th to be exact. This holiday is a perfect example of how China 'interprets' a familiar cultural aspect of life and makes it their own. I'm talking about their Ching Ming Festival. For those of you who are not familiar with this festival it revolves around ancestral veneration. Ahh, perhaps we will need a little background information so you can understand Ching Ming better.

O.k. throughout Chinese history family life encompassed elders ( elder generations were and still are the most important members of a family) and these elders received (and still do) great respect. In Chinese culture this elder respect continued even after the elder family members died. Now, its important to note that the Chinese do not distinguish a heaven and hell like we westerners do. The Chinese believe when you die you still exist and therefore still need food and they also believe that the living family members can communicate with the deceased elders or ancestors. Family members do this by way of Ancestral Veneration or Ancestor Worship (not worship as in God worship). They set out food for the ancestors who then eat the food's essence. The reason behind this veneration is to ensure the ancestors (elders) well-being and positive influence. Basically, it helps maintain the family bond; respect,loyalty, honor and keeps memories alive. They look after the ancestors and in return the ancestors look after them (something along the lines of acting as a guardian to help guide living members through their lives). With me so far? Good.

This brings me to Ching Ming which I think is wonderful. I love the whole idea of it and when Jade comes I think I might try to incorporate bits of it into her life.
Ching means pure and clean and Ming means brightness. When combined it means clean and just. Ching Ming was declared a National holiday in 732 A.D. during the Tang Dynasy and Ancestral Veneration is the only tradition unique to China. It is now often referred to as "Spring Remembrance".

What happens during Ching Ming? Well, basically, on this festival day, the Chinese visit the grave markers of their ancestors. It is a day that is totally devoted to ancestor veneration. During the day, family members clean the area(s) around the markers (spring cleaning you might say), add fresh flowers and provide food. Family members eat with the ancestors (a picnic of sorts - some scholars would argue with me over this as they say the food is not for a picnic but instead an offering to the ancestors. To me, its a picnic) There is a whole ritual that surrounds the food offerings (which I won't get into) and during this picnic they bring the ancestors up to date with the family news. Some families will also incorporate setting off firecrackers. The point of this is to scare off any evil spirits that may be lurking and to alert the ancestors of their (the living family's) presence. Some will offer the ancestors paper money and burn incense.

Isn't Ching Ming fascinating? Now, I know some of you think I've lost a brain cell or two by saying I love the idea of Ching Ming but just think about it for a minute. In Western society/culture we associate losing a family member with sorrow and pain. Once they pass on they are gone. Why is this? The Chinese "celebrate" (I'm not saying they don't mourn as they do) family. They believe their ancestors still exist you just can't see them. The ancestors are still "active" in the family's life but reside on a different plain.

See how culture blends itself to become unique within a society? Western society does have a Ching Ming of their own, after all how many times do you go down memory lane starting a conversation with a family member by saying "remember when Aunt so in so did...." but we just let too much sadness and sorrow get in the way. We need to learn, as a society and culture, to celebrate life and family more.

In conclusion, I like the idea of Ching Ming for a number of reasons. I want our bond with Jade to continue after "the hubby" and I are no longer here. I want her to celebrate our family and the memories that we made. I want her to talk to us and tell us what is going on in her life. I want her to continue to share with us. I don't want pain and sorrow to enter into it.