When a loved one dies, it is customary in the Chinese culture to place a small pearl on their lips. This tradition has a long history and many different meanings. In this blog post, we will explore the reasons behind this tradition. We will look at the historical origins of the tradition, and how the pearl helps ensure a safe passage to the afterlife. We will also explore why the pearl symbolizes rebirth and a better life.
The Historical Origins of the Pearl Tradition
The tradition of placing a pearl on the mouth of the deceased is centuries old in Chinese funerals. The pearl was thought to ensure safe passage to the afterlife and reincarnation into a better life. This tradition is still practiced today in many cultures around the world, especially in taoist funeral services and buddhist funeral services. Some examples include China, Japan, and South Korea. In these regions, it is believed that placing a pearl on the mouth of the deceased will help them reach their final destination with ease.
The pearl was also thought to protect the deceased from harm. It is said that if a person dies with a pearl on their mouth, they will be immune to all types of evil. This belief originated in ancient times when pearls were rare and valuable commodities. Today, many cultures still believe in this protection and use pearls as burial goods.
How the Pearl Helps Ensure a Safe Passage to the Afterlife
The pearl is a reminder that the individual has died and must be reborn in order to have a better life. Placing a pearl on the mouth of the deceased is seen as an act of respect and belief in the power of rebirth. This helps ensure that the deceased will have a safe passage to the afterlife, and that they will be able to reach their ultimate destination.
Many cultures believe that a pearl should be placed in the mouth of the deceased in order to help them have a safe and smooth passage into the afterlife. This is because pearls are associated with rebirth and new beginnings, both of which are seen as vital for an individual’s journey into the afterlife. In some cases, pearls may also be given as tokens of remembrance to loved ones before they depart this life.
By placing a pearl on the mouth of someone who has died, it is believed that their journey will be easy and free from any accidents or obstacles. This helps ensure that they make it to their final destination – either heaven or hell – unscathed and with plenty of memories to keep them company.
Why the Pearl Symbolizes Rebirth and a Better Life
The pearl is often seen as a symbol of rebirth and a better life. This is because the pearl comes from an oyster, which is a creature that lives in the sea. The oyster goes through a process of transformation to create the pearl.
This process is seen as a metaphor for the journey we all take in life. We start off as something small and insignificant, but through our experiences and growth, we can become something beautiful and valuable. The pearl thus represents the potential we all have to reach our highest potential and lead fulfilling lives.
Using a Grain of Rice Instead of a Pearl
Sometimes, a grain of rice is used instead of a pearl so that the loved one never goes hungry . This is because the grain of rice is a symbol of nourishment and sustenance. It represents the ability to provide for oneself and others. The grain of rice is also a symbol of fertility and abundance, and it embodies the possibility of new life and growth.
Final Thoughts
Pearls have been placed on the dead person’s mouth as a symbol of safe passage into the afterlife, and it is also seen as a way of providing the deceased with a better life in the next world. Most of the time, funeral directors will usually ask the family members of the deceased person before doing so.
Placing a pearl on the mouth of someone who has died is an act of respect and belief in the power of rebirth. This helps ensure that they make it to their final destination unscathed and with plenty of memories to keep them company.
What does placing a pearl on the deceased mean to you? Do you think it is important to continue this tradition? Share your thoughts in the comments below!