Hakka funeral traditions are deeply rooted in a strong sense of respect for the deceased, reflecting the importance of honoring ancestors and ensuring the continuity of the family lineage. These customs have been meticulously preserved for over two centuries, with little change, emphasizing the importance of tradition in the Hakka community.
Respecting the Final Moments
When a respected elder falls gravely ill, it is customary for relatives, both near and far, to gather and offer their support. Family members who are away from home make every effort to return and fulfill their filial duties. As the elder reaches the end of life, the family cleanses the body and dresses the individual in clean clothing, a ritual that symbolizes the transition from life to death. The body is then moved to the left side of the main hall, with the head facing inward and the feet outward, a practice known as “shouzhong zhengqin” (dying at home in peace).
Rituals Following Death
Upon the passing of the elder, the family immediately begins mourning and burns joss paper as an offering to the deceased. A meal of rice with a pair of chopsticks and a duck egg, known as “jiao wei fan” (foot meal), is placed at the deceased’s feet. Alternatively, an oil lamp, referred to as “jiao wei deng” (foot lamp), may be lit. Family members take turns keeping vigil over the body, ensuring that it is never left unattended.
A temporary paper tablet representing the deceased, known as “hun bo,” is placed on the altar. The main entrance of the home is adorned with white strips of paper bearing the words “ji zhong” or “zhi zhong,” indicating the family’s mourning. Once the date of the funeral is set, the family prints obituary notices to inform relatives and friends.
Preparing for the Funeral
The family purchases a coffin, and upon its arrival, they perform a ritual of mourning at the entrance of the home. The coffin is then placed in the main hall, where the deceased is ceremoniously bathed and dressed in burial clothes. The body is laid to rest in the coffin, with family members gathered around to mourn. This process, known as “qin shi han lian” (personally witnessing the interment), is followed by the sealing of the coffin with large iron nails, a practice referred to as “feng guan” (sealing the coffin).
The coffin is then placed in the main hall, where it remains until the funeral. A spirit tablet is placed beside it, and a special mourning flag, or “qi fan,” is created. This flag, often made of green cloth for males and yellow cloth for females, is adorned with patterns and the deceased’s name, birth, and death dates. It is attached to a bamboo pole with leaves and is used throughout the mourning period.
Mourning and Paying Respects
The mourning period begins with rituals on the sixth and seventh days after death, known as “shou liu” and “shou qi,” respectively. These ceremonies involve offerings and prayers to honor the deceased. The family and close relatives keep vigil in the mourning hall, a space draped in white cloth, where they observe strict mourning customs. They abstain from meat and alcohol, and their meals are simple and frugal.
Typically, the funeral takes place around the seventh day after death. For prominent families, the day before the funeral is marked by the “ying ju” ceremony, where relatives and notable community members deliver eulogies. For ordinary families, the eulogies are prepared by the family patriarch for men and by the mother’s family for women.
The Funeral Procession
On the day of the funeral, the family members don their mourning attire, with children and grandchildren dressed in hemp garments, a practice known as “pi ma dai xiao.” The funeral procession is a solemn affair, with the deceased’s spirit tablet, accompanied by offerings, carried ahead of the coffin. The procession includes banners, wreaths, and a ceremonial escort. The family leads the way, followed by the coffin, and mourners express their grief through wailing and lamentation.
The final resting place of the deceased is chosen carefully, with rituals conducted to ensure a peaceful transition to the afterlife. The family returns home after the burial to set up a temporary shrine, where they continue to make offerings and pay their respects until the 100th day after death.
Conclusion of Mourning
The mourning period concludes with a series of rituals, including the “qi qi” (seven sevens) ceremony, which marks the 49th day after death. This is followed by the “bai ri” (100th day) ceremony, where the family removes their mourning attire and burns the spirit tablet and other funeral items. The final ceremony, “kaimu” (opening the tomb), takes place three to five years later, when the bones are exhumed, placed in an urn, and reburied in a permanent grave.
Hakka funeral customs are a profound expression of respect for the deceased and the ancestors, preserving the connection between the living and those who have passed on. These traditions, passed down through generations, ensure that the deceased are honored and remembered, and that the family lineage continues unbroken.
