We live in the land of China, and unique geographical customs have created different folk customs. Some religious customs have unknowingly penetrated into daily life. During the two time periods of Qingming Festival and July half, there are some special precautions that we need to pay more attention to. There is still a need for a sense of reverence for nature.
The custom of offering sacrifices to old guests in Hengyang
This is a sacrificial activity and a local characteristic. In Hengyang, every household generally has the custom of receiving ancestors (for old customers) before half July, but there are some differences. The general situation of Hengyang people receiving ancestors (each family is not exactly the same). It usually starts on the eighth day of July (but for small families with 3/4 brothers, it usually starts on the tenth or eleventh day, depending on the family members) and ends on the fifteenth day of July. In the middle of July, people from a large family usually gather at one of the family's houses to receive ancestors. They prepare wine, sacrifices and tributes to receive ancestors. The whole family needs to prepare together.
The process for old customers to receive their ancestors
Generally held in a large place. In the living room, two large tables are usually put together, and then wine is poured into the bowls on the table, firecrackers are set off, paper is burned, candles are lit, and the ancestors are worshiped. Then everyone kowtows, and drinks are added every once in a while (during this period, the adults They will all tell the children not to touch the tables and chairs of the sacrifice casually). After a period of time, the time for drinking and offering sacrifices is almost over, so we set off firecrackers and burn paper money to end the offering. Many people need to do this seriously. It can unite family feelings.
Taboo on burning paper money in July and a half
When burning things on this day, you must pay attention to fire safety and do not burn in places with many trees. Burning clothing bags and money paper are usually set off with firecrackers after the sacrifice in the afternoon to welcome the ancestors to the open space prepared in advance. Arrange clothes, bags, tributes, incense paper, etc. in the place, burn incense and paper to offer sacrifices, and then burn the clothes, bags, incense paper, etc. together to the ancestors. When the clothes and bags are almost burned, firecrackers are set off around the burning place to see off the guests. Burning clothing bags expresses the longing for the deceased relatives, hoping that they will have a lot of money and live a good life, and also hope that they will bless the relatives who are still alive. After burning, leave immediately and don't stay and play too much.