As I was biking my way out of Yingxian, a village iShanxi province of China, I finally understood why fireworks had been blowing up all night. A funeral ceremony was being hold and the family members were processing through the town in the morning.
As its purpose was originally to drive evil spirits away, it was also used in funerals. However, over time, the use of firecrackers evolved to take on a more positive connotation. Thus they came to be used to commemorate joyous events such as wedding processions and rituals during festivals and auspicious occasions.
It was believed that while a newly departed soul sought to go to the Western Paradise, stray ghost would come by and hinder the departed soul. Taoists priest would chant liturgies to guide the spirit and firecrackers were in turn ignited to dispel these ghosts.
coment by;Ralph Soriano manila chinatown,philippines
ralphbosero 3 years ago
Rituals using firecrackers
As its purpose was originally to drive evil spirits away, it was also used in funerals. However, over time, the use of firecrackers evolved to take on a more positive connotation. Thus they came to be used to commemorate joyous events such as wedding processions and rituals during festivals and auspicious occasions.
ralphbosero 3 years ago
Funeral Procession
It was believed that while a newly departed soul sought to go to the Western Paradise, stray ghost would come by and hinder the departed soul. Taoists priest would chant liturgies to guide the spirit and firecrackers were in turn ignited to dispel these ghosts.
ralphbosero 3 years ago