Soul Carrying Boat

It was a local Chinese custom to build a boat to carry the decease’s soul to the after-world. This paper boat was built to carry my father’s soul about forty years ago. The family gathered around putting presents and written words in the boat after which it was burnt in the river.

What I saw was:

(1)   The old people ensured old traditions and customs carried on,

(2)   The businessmen saw opportunities to create businesses,

(3)   The family carried hope that the deceased lived well in the next world.

Customs evolved from fear, beliefs, ignorance and here-says. The practices would take generations and sometimes stern government policies to wipe out. Fear, pride and ignorance are the main factors for people to resist change of customs.