Within traditional Chinese (Confucian) practice – the graves of the ancestors are tended to twice a year – once in Spring (Qingming – 清明) – the other in Autumn (Chong Yang – 重阳). As Spring represents rebirth – the graves are cleaned and swept. This process is repeated in Autumn – with the added component of providing various goods for the ancestors to enjoy in the divine-sky. In reality, both ceremonies seem to integrate into one another – at least in the UK that is the case. At both times of the year the graves are repaired and made new – whilst one or two of the favourite things are provided – such as a glass of brandy and a cigarette. Chinese belief accommodates rebirth, atheism, and heavenly dimensions without any apparent contradiction. This is alsi a ritual important for the effectiveness of our family gongfu system.
Some Chinese families – although not ours – make paper clothing which is burnt at the graveside in Autumn – alongside “Spirit Money” – or pretend banknotes, etc. Others take real food which is placed on a table in hygienic containers – offered as an oblation – and consumed later. Our two daughters used clothes and cleaning sprays to remove the dirt and shine the stone exterior of the graves. The bright flowers are then cut to fit into the holders. We often bring a flag of China and Buddhist pictures and statues. Today, I also carried a Ch’an Dao Martial Arts Association badge and a pair of Nunchaku. We lit six incense-sticks – three for each grave – and bowed-down three-tips (clapping the hands three-times). We have been performing these rituals since the early 1990s in the UK.
SANGHA KOMMUNE (SSR) 