Taoist Ancestor Worship
Oracle Bones and The Festival of the Dead (Half Seven)
Why is ancestor worship important for Taoists? What is The Festival of the Spirits of the Dead?
Ancestor Worship
The practice of ancestor worship in China can be dated back to 1000 B.C.E. Evidence found in temples, tombs and on written documents, indicate a significant amount of respect for elder members of society. Oracle bones, which were animal remains used to communicate with the dead, also indicated a profound interest in the clan’s deceased. These bones were often inscribed with the names of male relatives who had passed away.
Why is ancestor worship important for Taoists?
For Taoists, ancestors provided the protocol for social behavior. To this day, laws in China are tied to ancient customs and beliefs passed down through patriarchal lineage.
In traditional Chinese households, an altar is usually set aside containing the portraits of the husband’s grandparents (or other deceased relatives). The wife is required to pay respect to her husband’s family, and his relatives become the predominant force in the household. In feudal China, the male lineage was always favored over the female. The word "tsu" refers to a male’s ancestor. Sometimes tsu is spelled "tze" or "tzu" (as in Chuang Tzu). When a woman married into her husband’s family, she had to take on the living memory of his ancestors.
The Ancestral Temple
During periods of mourning, family members would gather inside an ancestral temple. The temple itself would contain rows of wooden tablets, each inscribed with the name of someone who had passed away. Here, the family would perform rituals and ceremonies for the dead. These rituals would include the use of oracle bones, as mentioned above.
The Festival of the Spirits of the Dead
The Festival of the Spirits of the Dead, also known as "Half Seven," is celebrated on the 15th day of the seventh month in the Chinese Lunar Calendar. On this day, it is believed all souls are released from hell and wander throughout villages or seek solstice beside their tombs. This holiday is similar to Mexico’s Day of the Dead.
During this time, it is important for people to make offerings to the dead. Since it is also the time of the harvest, Taoists collect rice, leaves and grain. They place these objects in a bowl, which is then placed on a sacrificial table. At temples, Taoist priests hold rituals and bless those were recently buried.
What about Ghosts? How are They Viewed in Chinese Society?
Ghost stories in China have been popular since the early Chou period. They’re is a difference between "Kuei" (demons, evil spirits) and "Shen" (kindly spirits) however. Shen are spirits of those who are well taken care of after death, such as one’s ancestors.
