Guangzhou’s Traditional Funerary Customs: A Cultural Tapestry of Rituals and Beliefs

Historical Roots: From Ancient Rites to Lingnan Adaptations

Guangzhou’s funerary traditions trace back to the Zhou Dynasty’s Six Rites (Liu Li), which formalized mourning protocols. By the Qing Dynasty, these rituals merged with Lingnan folk beliefs, creating a unique blend of Confucian formalism and local superstitions. For instance, the practice of Guo Huopen (crossing a fire basin) during weddings evolved into a funerary ritual to ward off evil spirits. Historical texts like the Guangzhou Fu Zhi (Guangzhou Annals) document how families in the 19th century adhered to strict timelines for burials, often consulting geomancers to select auspicious dates.

During the Republic of China era, urbanization and Western influences introduced simplifications. Civil weddings and secular ceremonies began replacing elaborate rites, yet core traditions persisted. Halimbawa, the Da Li (betrothal gifts) ceremony, once involving symbolic items like dragon-phoenix cakes, transformed into a pre-funeral ritual where families exchanged tokens of respect. This duality reflects Guangzhou’s ability to preserve heritage while adapting to modernity.

Core Rituals: Symbolism and Family Bonds

Bathing the Deceased and the Mai Shui Rite
Before encoffinment, families perform the Mai Shui (buying water) ritual. The eldest son or a proxy travels to a river with a copper coin, “purchasing” water to bathe the deceased. This act, recorded in 19th-century folk accounts, symbolizes purifying the soul for its journey. The water is poured over the body using a red cloth, mimicking a bath, while relatives chant prayers. Variations exist: in Panyu District, families sing Mai Shui Ge (Buying Water Song) as they wash the deceased, blending lamentation with folklore.

Encoffinment (Ru Zang) and Clothing Etiquette
The deceased is dressed in Shou Yi (funerary garments), traditionally made of silk and dyed in somber hues like indigo or brown. Red and pink are avoided, as they symbolize joy. The number of layers follows the odd-number rule: 11 upper garments and 7 lower garments, though some families use 7 at 5 pieces respectively. A Ji Ming Zhen (rooster-shaped pillow) filled with feathers is placed under the head, believed to aid the soul’s awakening in the afterlife. During encoffinment, a red thread is stretched across the coffin to align the body correctly, a practice rooted in geomantic principles.

Gender-Specific Rites: Fen Shu at Che Fu
Marital status influences posthumous rituals. If a deceased woman’s husband survives her, he places a red flower in her hair (Si Zai Fu Qian Yi Zhi Hua), symbolizing eternal love. A wooden comb is then snapped in half: the shorter piece buried with her, the longer kept by the husband (Fen Shu or “parting the comb”). For men, only the comb is broken. Additionally, the husband’s pants are placed in the coffin, later retrieved by the son (Che Fu or “pulling wealth”), symbolizing the transfer of prosperity.

Modern Evolution: Innovation Meets Tradition

Collective Mourning and Cultural Revival
Since 2020, Guangzhou has promoted eco-friendly burials, yet traditional rituals persist in adapted forms. Collective weddings, now incorporating funerary elements, are held in ancestral halls like the Liwan District Heritage Center. These events feature reenactments of Mai Shui at Ru Zang, blending historical accuracy with modern sustainability. Halimbawa, biodegradable Shou Yi made from organic cotton are used in some ceremonies, reflecting environmental awareness.

Digital Engagement and Cultural Preservation
Museums such as the Guangdong Museum of Folk Culture showcase artifacts like Mai Shui Dou (water-buying basins) at Ji Ming Zhen. Interactive exhibits allow visitors to simulate rituals, while social media campaigns encourage young people to share their experiences. A 2023 WeChat initiative, “Preserving Our Roots,” collected stories of funerary customs from elderly residents, creating a digital archive accessible to researchers and the public.

Regional Adaptations and Symbolic Roads
Guangzhou’s funerary routes remain steeped in symbolism. Processions often pass streets with auspicious names like Jixiang Lu (Luck Road) or Baizi Lu (Hundred Sons Road). In Shawan Ancient Town, Panyu District, families reenact historic rituals such as the Ganzhu Lang Li (pig-herding ceremony), where a piglet is presented to symbolize abundance. These adaptations highlight the flexibility of Guangzhou’s traditions, which evolve without losing their cultural essence.

A Living Tradition: From Ancestral Rites to Contemporary Practice

Guangzhou’s funerary customs are a testament to the city’s ability to honor its past while embracing change. Whether through the meticulous preservation of Mai Shui or the creative fusion of old and new, these rituals continue to unite families, celebrate life, and sustain cultural identity. As the city evolves, its funerary traditions remain a vibrant expression of Lingnan heritage—a blend of history, symbolism, and the enduring spirit of community.