praying you to come and extend your protection that my ancestors' souls may repose in peace, and my posterity be prosperous."
After the grave is covered, the procession returns and, having eaten some food, disperses. It is believed by some that on the return of the family the spirit accompanies them; by others that one of the three souls remains at the grave, the second in the tablet, and the third in the spirit world. The tablet is now installed with those in the lararium and receives similar worship.
In China, where husband and wife share one tomb, the former is placed in the place of honour, the left, the latter being placed on his right. Should a grave be ruinous or filled with coffins, it is repaired and the ashes are taken out of the coffins and placed in jars, each one of which is marked. They are then reburied, and the grave is closed, the act being announced by a prayer.
On the third morning a visit is paid to the grave, where worship is performed, and the tombstone erected.
Each year on the 106th day after the winter solstice, i.e., in the beginning of April, and on the ninth day of the ninth moon, worship is conducted at the tombs, which are swept and cleaned, the former festival which is known as ts’ing míng being the more important Candles and incense-sticks are lighted, and the three animals are offered, a supply of paper-money being burnt for the service of the departed. Strips of paper are then attached to the grave as evidence that the rites have been performed.
May 15, 1883.
