In a dramatic display of filial piety, a man in southern China's Hunan province has gone viral after buying a coffin for his 70-year-old mother who is alive and kicking and having 16 men carry it from the store to their residence. The bizarre spectacle was witnessed in Shuangxikou Town, Taoyuan County, Changde, in southern China.
The man, who declined to be named, thought that purchasing the coffin and performing the elaborate ritual would bring his mother good luck and a long life. A video of the lively atmosphere posted on Chinese social media platform Douyin recorded the joyful scene, with the happy old woman sitting in the coffin waving a fan as it was borne through the solemn procession.
In front of the group, a brass band marched and played, attracting a huge audience of spectators. Upon arriving at home, the family conducted a traditional ceremony with incense and offerings.
In an interview with Guizhou Radio TV Station, one villager said, "The main point is to show filial piety. It is a rural custom. The old people are always very glad about it but not that common nowadays." Such festivities, the villager added, he had witnessed thrice before.
The whole ceremony cost some $2,800 (approximately Rs 2.4 lakh), according to reports, and included the cost of a banquet, musicians, and pallbearers. In China, coffins known as guancai are considered good luck symbols as the term sounds like 'official wealth'.
This was the reason that resulted in such traditions where the elderly go through lying in their coffins when they are alive, which they believe will bring them blessings, longevity, and tranquility.
In much of rural China, it is not unusual for individuals over the age of 70 to make their own coffins and store them in their homes. These death-in-life funerals are usually referred to as 'celebrations', showing a tranquil embracing of death.
Chinese funeral rituals also contain a number of superstitions, such as veiling the mirrors to shield the soul, placing the coffin with great care, and not weeping close to it. Processions are usually ornate affairs accompanied by musicians.
