ANCESTOR WORSHIP

Ancestor worship is “a religious practice based on the belief that deceased family members have a continued existence, that the spirits of deceased ancestors will look after the family, take an interest in the affairs of the world, and possess the ability to influence the fortune of the living” (Ancestor worship in Taoism, 2020).

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In China, the practice of ancestor worship has existed since ancient times. Filial piety emphasized respect for senior family members has been advocated since the sixth and fifth centuries B.C.E. (Ancestor worship in China, 2020). The practice of ancestor worship, therefore, can be seen as an extension of this reverence. The goal of ancestor worship is to ensure the ancestors' continued well-being and positive disposition towards the living and sometimes to ask for special favors or assistance (Chinese ancestor worship, 2017). Therefore, the family was viewed as a closely united group of living and dead relatives. “Unity of the entire kin group was also reinforced through religious acts at temples that honored all ancestral spirits” (Ancestor worship in China, 2020). Some studies show that the state of ancestor worship in modern China is disappearing due to the Socialism regime (Ancestor worship in China, 2020). Big families in rural areas still practice Ancestor worship. According to Chinese ancestor worship 2017, ancestor worship begins at the deceased kin’s funeral. He or she is offered fake paper money and burned as a sacrifice. As well as the deceased’s favorite food, the beverage in front of the altar ensures the family member gets a good start in the afterlife.  The altar normally includes a portrait or photograph of the ancestor, a commemorative plaque and cups for offerings. This altar usually presents 49 days. After the altar is taken down, the ancestors are believed to dwell in commemorative tables. Chinese ancestor worship also stated the ancestral tables are pieces of wood inscribed with the name and dates of their deceased. Incense is lit before the tablets daily and offerings of food and prostrations are presented regularly.

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The ancestor worship was shown in the movie. Within the first eight minutes of the film viewers see Mulan, her father, her mother, and grandmother all either directly praying, or referring to praying, to their ancestors on at least one occasion. Mulan that night dressed as a man and prepared to head for the army. Before she left, she lit incense and prostrated to all her ancestors. At this, the family ancestors were awakened, since they would need to protect the youth through her journey.