Sunday, March 15, 2015

Ancestral Tablets of the Khoo Kongsi Temple

Ancestral Tablets at the Khoo Kongsi Temple in Penang, Malaysia
An important part of any Chinese clan temple are the ancestral tablets. Following the belief that the spirit of the deceased continue to have influence on the living relatives, the ancestors are worshiped. This practice shows deep commemorative respect for the ancestors and is an act of filial piety. 
During special days, special ceremonies take place for worship as well as enshrinement. Ancestral tablets are arranged according to position within the clan.

Jongmyo Daeje Ceremony in Seoul
In Korea, the Confucian philosophy of ancestral worship is present in various levels. Annual Daeje ceremonies are held at the Jongmyo Royal Shrine in Seoul. Here, the ancestral tablets of royalty are enshrined. The ceremony with its rites and music is now a UNESCO Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity designation. Read about my visits to the Jongmyo Shrine and the Daeje ceremony.


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