In China, funeral customs have a long-standing tradition that encompasses the beliefs and concepts of three major philosophical schools: Confucianism, Taoism, and Buddhism. In addition to the commonly practiced burial and cremation, there are also unique methods such as hanging coffins, cliff burials, and tree burials.
If the deceased is buried in the traditional earth burial style, before the coffin is lifted from the funeral home or private residence for burial, the Chinese will perform a ritual known as “breaking the pot.”
Ancient beliefs hold that after death, the deceased continue to live similarly to the living. Therefore, when there is a death in the family, a clay pot is broken and “sent” to the other side for the deceased to continue using as a cooking and eating utensil.
Clay pot commonly used in this ritual. (Source: Baidu).
Another argument suggests that the origin of this custom is linked to Fan Li – a master potter who passed on his exceptional ceramic-making skills to the locals, helping them escape poverty.
Before his death, he left behind an old pot he made himself for a young man. When Fan Li was buried, the young man broke this pot so that it could accompany him forever. This is how the custom of “breaking the pot” came about.
The Chinese also have a saying: “Years of peace” (which means a wish for everlasting peace). In Chinese, the word for “broken” (碎) is pronounced “suì,” which sounds like the word for “year” (岁) – meaning age. Therefore, the more pieces the pot breaks into, the better. This practice is also referred to as “Yin Yang basin, mourning basin.”
The ritual of breaking the pot expresses the care and filial piety of the descendants. (Source: Baidu).
The “breaking the pot” ritual is performed by the eldest son; if the eldest son has unfortunately passed away, it will be carried out by the eldest grandson (the son of the eldest son) “breaking the pot.”
If neither the eldest son nor the eldest grandson is available, the duty will be passed to the second son, or, in the absence of sons, the eldest daughter will personally perform the ritual.
For the Chinese, the act of “breaking the pot” is the final expression of care and filial piety that descendants show for the deceased before their coffin is laid to rest.
