The Woman Warrior
Some background information
Filial Piety: Primary duty of all Chinese
Sons:
complete obedience to parents, taking care of
them in their old age.
After death, eldest son was required to perform
ritual sacrifices at grave site or ancestral temple.
Show devotion to parents by winning prestige for
the whole family through things like jobs, grades
Most important, make sure the family line is
continued
No sons = disaster
Filial Piety: Primary duty of all Chinese
(cont)
daughters:
Women become part of their husband’s family
through marriage.
Filial conduct = faithfully serving her in-laws (esp.
MIL) and giving birth to a son.
Fulfilling these duties also gives prestige to her own
family.
Wife and MIL don’t get along? Husband should get
rid of wife to please his mother.
What is Ancestor Worship?
Reverence for deceased relatives who are believed to
have become powerful spiritual beings or, less
frequently, to have attained the status of gods.
Belief is that ancestors are active members of society and
are still interested in the affairs of their living relatives.
Believed to have special powers to influence the course
of events or to control the well-being of their living
relatives.
Protection of the family is one of their main concerns.
They are intermediaries between the supreme god/gods
and the people.
More on Ancestor Worship
They can communicate with living through dreams and
by possession.
Attitude toward them is one of mixed fear and
reverence.
If neglected, the ancestors may cause disease and other
misfortunes.
How to communicate with them? Prayer, sacrifice.
Ancestor worship shows strong ties between the past
and present and underscores values like filial piety,
family loyalty, and continuity of the family lineage.
Yet more on ancestor worship
Begins with the funeral
Toothbrush, comb, towel, shoes, water, even computers!
After funeral, daily or twice daily offerings are made on a
home altar.
May include necessities and luxuries: deceased favorite
foods, wine, “spirit money”
Family members bow in respect before the altar.
Home altar: includes a photograph of the ancestor,
commemorative plaque and cups for offerings.
Usually taken down after 49 days
Final info on Ancestor Worship
After altar taken down:
Ancestors are believed to dwell in commemorative
tablets.
Pieces of wood inscribed with the name and dates of the
deceased.
Kept in a small shrine at home and in the clan temple.
Incense is lit before the tablets daily and offerings of food
and prostrations are presented twice a month.
Weddings and funerals often include elaborate rituals
honoring deceased family members.
Annual festivals: Ghost Festival and Tomb Sweeping
Festival performed at the family cemetery.
Ancestor Worship
Red Eggs and Ginger Party: BabyNaming Ceremony
Gives child his/her name and serves to introduce the baby to the
world.
Eggs=delicacy in traditional China and usually reserved for
special occasions.
One month after a child is born, hard-boiled eggs (symbolizing
fertility) are dyed red (for good luck) and given to family, friends
and relatives who are honoring the child’s birth.
During the party, the baby’s name is given—either a formal
name (traditionally chosen by the grandparents or fortune teller)
or a “milk name” (a nickname used until school or marriage).
Used to be the newborn’s head was shaved during the party
More on Red Eggs and Ginger
Baby is then taken around the room of guests to be introduced
and admired.
Hua Mu Lan