Research On Ancestor Worship In Hakka Area

Ancestor worship is common in hakka area, which is a reflection of patriarchal clan as well as a great influence on its morality, mode of thinking, and attitude to life. Affected by minority culture, ancestor worship retains the deep concept of the Confucianists. Although the research into ancestor worship of the Hakka in eastern Guangdong Province can not represent the whole Hakka society, the case in Meizhou is typical and universal. It has great significance for us to explore the folk awareness to maintain Hakka culture, and study its customs.The Hakka in Meizhou have very strong clansman concept, living together. Weilongwu reflects the typical ancestor worship of the Hakka. The semi-round pond before the house and the semi-round house form a whole circle. Three halls and two rooms on both sides form a square, which represent the philosophic theory of "Tianyuandifang" and "Tianrenheyi". The three halls are carved. The spacious ancestor hall and the splendid niche indicate the Hakka esteem to the ancestor. Weilongwu embodies reproduction worship. "Home together with clan hall" is typical in Weilongwu. Ancestor hall is the habitat of the ancestor spirit. When there come holidays, marriages, funeral arrangements, a baby born into the family, scholarly honor or official rank, it is necessary to go to the ancestor hall to prey for the good fortune and protection.The Hakka in Meizhou consider the female who had made achievements in the history as great-grandmother. And those female ancestors who made special contribution or gave birth to many babies also respected and offered sacrifices. The custom of respecting is popular and the ceremony is formal and grand. Women in Hakka area are the main labor force, enjoying a higher social status and universal respectations. The worship is solemn and sincere. The etiquette and the custom is very complicated, various and formal. Funeral arrangements are also verbose and unique.Antithetical couplet is precious heritage in Hakka culture. Hall code represent fame, prestige and dwell. Furthermore, it also symbolizes unity and harmony. It eulogizes the ancestor's virtues and achievements, encourages younger generation to render service to the country. It reflects that the Hakka show respect to the ancestor, love hometown and country, live harmoniously with the family. It stimulates the sense of pride and togetherness. The Hakka family tree plays an important role in tracing the origin, uniting other members. Influenced by the blood relationship, the cultural spirit of ancestor worship has been permeated into every member's mind.