Hakka Traditional Funeral Ritual: “Breaking the Hell’s Gate”

Funeral practices in Taoism serve a deep spiritual purpose, particularly when it comes to guiding the deceased's soul toward peace and harmony. Among the Hakka people, a significant ritual known as "Breaking the Hell’s Gate" plays a crucial role in this journey. This ceremony is deeply rooted in traditional Chinese funeral customs and carries profound symbolism for the living and the dead. The practice also highlights the Hakka community's dedication to honoring their ancestors and ensuring the protection of future generations.

What is Breaking the Hell in Hakka Tradition?

The "Breaking the Hell’s Gate" ritual, also referred to as "Breaking the Sand" or "Breaking the Wall," is a ceremony performed after a funeral. The ritual is based on the ancient story of Mulian Rescues His Mother, where a devoted son embarks on a journey to save his mother from the torments of hell. The ritual’s purpose is to ensure that the deceased’s soul is liberated from purgatory and allowed to transition peacefully into the afterlife. Moreover, it serves as a means to secure blessings and prosperity for the descendants of the deceased.

The Origins: Mulian Rescues His Mother

The origins of this ritual lie in a well-known Buddhist tale. In the story, Mulian, a filial son, discovers that his mother has fallen into the depths of hell due to her wrongdoings. Through his devotion and prayers, he manages to rescue her, symbolizing the power of filial piety and the ability to alter one’s fate. The story is often referenced during the "Breaking the Hell’s Gate" ritual to remind the living of their duty toward their ancestors.

When and How Long Does the Ritual Take Place?

The "Breaking the Hell’s Gate" ritual typically takes place the day after the funeral. However, it is also one of the major events during the Yulanpen Festival (also known as the Ghost Festival), which is observed during the seventh month of the lunar calendar. This festival is dedicated to honoring the spirits of ancestors and other wandering souls. The ritual itself lasts for a few hours, depending on the complexity of the proceedings and the involvement of the family members.

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What Do You Need to Prepare Before the Ritual?

The family of the deceased need to work closely with a Taoist priest or master to ensure all necessary elements are in place. Some of the key items needed for the ceremony include:

• Sand carvings representing the two generals of hell: a snake and a turtle.

• A symbolic Hell’s Gate that will be broken down during the ritual.

• Traditional offerings such as food, incense, and paper money.

• Sacred Taoist scriptures or sutras to be chanted throughout the ritual.

Understanding the Ritual Symbolism and Elements

The "Breaking the Hell’s Gate" ritual is rich with symbolism. The elements used in the ceremony are carefully chosen to represent various spiritual forces and beliefs within Taoism and Hakka people tradition.

Symbolic Representations in the Ritual

The Snake and the Turtle

The snake and the turtle represent the two generals of hell, figures who guard the entrance to the underworld. These creatures must be confronted and overcome for the soul of the deceased to pass through the gate into the afterlife.

The Hell’s Gate

The Hell’s Gate symbolizes the barrier between the living world and the underworld. By breaking this gate, the master frees the deceased’s soul from purgatory, allowing it to continue its journey toward peace.

The Three Main Steps of "Breaking the Hell’s Gate"

The ritual follows three distinct steps, each serving a specific function in guiding the soul to its final resting place.

1. Chanting Sutras and Inviting the Deities

The first step involves the chanting of Taoist sutras, which are recited by the priest or master conducting the ceremony. The chanting is believed to invite the presence of deities and spiritual protectors who will assist in guiding the deceased’s soul out of hell.

2. Asking for Forgiveness of Sins

In the second step, the family, through the priest, seeks forgiveness for any wrongdoings committed by the deceased during their lifetime. This act of penance is vital in ensuring that the soul is cleansed and allowed to leave purgatory.

3. Breaking the Hell’s Gate and Defeating the Generals

The final step is the act of breaking the Hell’s Gate. The priest symbolically destroys the gate and defeats the two generals, represented by the snake and turtle sand carvings. This action releases the soul from hell and leads it toward eternal peace.

The Purpose and Significance of Breaking the Hell’s Gate

The "Breaking the Hell’s Gate" ritual serves both spiritual and practical purposes. Spiritually, it ensures the deceased’s soul is freed from purgatory, avoiding the torments of the underworld. On a more practical level, it is believed to secure blessings and good fortune for the family, particularly the descendants of the deceased. The ritual reinforces the importance of filial piety in Hakka people’s culture and highlights the duty of the living to care for the souls of their ancestors.

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