| Summary: | 碩士 === 國立臺南大學 === 台灣文化研究所碩士班 === 99 === People need to go through many life rites in their life. People concerned or those around are full of happiness in ceremonies of birth, intiation, wedding, etc. The funeral is an exception. Its process is sorrowful and unhappy, which is deep and takes a duration to make the whole family regain the normal life. Therefore, many scientists in the modern society try to figure out the secret of death, but so far no one could prevent from the fate of death; everyone is mortal. Death means to separate from families for good. Through the concept of the immortal spirit, the affection between people alive and their ancestors is closely connected and unseparated. Hence, the funeral in Taiwan is the most valued of all the life rites.
The research object is the funeral etiquette and custom, and the major study scope is Chishan Town of Kaohsiung County. The study attemps to understand the meaning of each rite and funeral rites of Taoism through the actual field survey and participation in the funeral, as well as related documents analyzed. The changes of Taoism funeral rites before and now are investigated. Those rites have been changed and affected by other religeons and the social circumstances, which has brought the metamorphosis; however, the basically core value to convey, filial piety, is still the principle of the whole funeral etiquette and rites.
The survey has found that the concept of funeral of most people in Chishan is inherited from the traditional thoughts of the Chinese people. Death is the continuation of life; the important proof is the memorial tablet. The process and items of funeral still follow the traditional custom, but the complexity of practice has been simplified.
In brief, with the development of the times, the improper red tape of funeral rites must be removed. Through the participation of funeral rites, people realize the meaning of them and life. So that the real meaning of tradition funeral goes on; everyone knows it but is not afraid of death, funeral, and then the purpose of correcting good morals is reached.
|
|---|
