| Summary: | 碩士 === 玄奘大學 === 宗教與文化學系碩士班 === 106 === Through the researches of bibliography, real objects, and field investigation,this study aims at the primary analysis on such ancient Confucianist rituals as“the Book of Rites”(Liji, 《禮記》), “the Family Rites”(Chiali, 《家禮》), and “the Rites and Ceremonies” (Yili, 《儀禮》). This study also aims at the investigations and comparisons between the earlier “Temporary Memorial Tablets (魂帛,shortened as TMTs below)”and shrouds (壽衣) and the current TMTsand shrouds. Therefore, the author has found the earlier Hakka origins of TMTsand shroudsas well as the causes of how current TMTsand shrouds as are formed. Besides, by way of comparing and analyzing the early and modern different designing patterns and functions, some related inferences have been attained and some realistic suggestions have been made.In the process of trying to understand the changing patterns and meaningful functions on “Temporary Memorial Tablet” and shrouds, this study has proved the Hakka cultural heritages and their customs to be cautiously respectful to one’s parents as well as to be in memory of one’s ancestors(慎終追遠): with the sign of “Temporary Memorial Tablet”, the spirits of the dead have a place to rely on and with the sign of shrouds, the dignity and nobility of the dead are fully presented.
As an experienced funeral-service expert, the author tries hard to make detailed observations and researches. In addition, by means of tracing back to Mandarin cultural systems, the author tries hard to understand the symbolic meanings as well as to take charge of the traditional wisdom about the life rituals. What’s more, the author manages hard to understand how the traditional cultures tend to become suitable to the modern and changing age in order to adapt to the new era. According to the ages, genders, and preferences of the dead, it would be easier and more appropriate for the family of the dead to decide the styles and patterns about the TMTs and shrouds. In this way, the dead and their family are linked together by dint of such Hakka traditions as TMTs and shrouds. And from the process of choosing TMTs and shrouds, the consolation for the living family as well as the “teaching the alive from the dead” are most naturally and effectively achieved.
At last, the study puts forth some limitations about this research, the concept of “preference talking about life rather than death”, and the various phenomena of multicultural differences and weird customs.
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