Since ancient times, many emperors have spent enormous sums of money seeking methods for immortality, yet none have yielded results.
Even today, with advanced technology, scientists are tirelessly researching this project, but significant breakthroughs remain elusive.
The Essence of Life
Humans cannot escape the reality of facing death, and many funeral customs stem from this, such as offerings, the seventh day, the third day, and burning clothes of the deceased.
But why burn the clothes of the dead? Some believe this is superstition; in fact, they want the deceased to have clothes to wear, as death signifies the end, with no other world awaiting.
The act of burning clothes has naturally become a superstitious practice, but it is not purely superstition; it has a certain scientific basis.
It can be said that consciousness does not vanish after death; it is merely the death of the body.
Burning clothes after death is not superstition but has a certain scientific basis. (Illustrative image).
Especially in the minds of some idealists, there is a feeling that after death, a person transitions to another world to exist rather than completely disappearing in the true sense.
From their perspective, human thoughts and consciousness exist independently of the physical body; many even believe that consciousness after death resides in a four-dimensional space.
Relatives of the deceased will burn some used clothes and items so they can live better in that other realm.
When a person truly passes away, whether their consciousness dissipates or not has yet to be scientifically proven; this could also stem from humanity’s psychological fear of death.
The act of burning clothes also serves as a form of mourning; in their hearts, people will think their loved ones can thrive elsewhere.
Living in this world will undoubtedly bring many regrets, and one hopes that in another place, they can make amends for those regrets.
Avoiding Tragedy
Apart from nurturing within, analyzing from the spiritual level of humanity, some people, when seeing everything, think of others, and they may even lose control of themselves. No matter how long it takes, they cannot dilute the sorrow and heartache.
To prevent tragedy from occurring again and to alleviate the pain of loved ones, burning clothes is also a good method.
The deceased have passed; the living must actively face life. (Illustrative image).
Taboos Regarding the Clothes of the Deceased
After a person dies, their clothes must be burned; in fact, there are several taboo reasons. First, if someone dies in the house, the clothes must not be carelessly thrown away, as this is very disrespectful to the deceased.
Modern people are even less likely to use the clothes of the deceased, regardless of whether the death was due to illness or natural causes; they still maintain a superstitious mindset and are unwilling to wear the clothes of the departed.
Moreover, giving the deceased’s clothes to friends to wear may bring bad luck and is also an act of disrespect towards the living.
Even if the deceased died unexpectedly, their bodies do not harbor bacteria or viruses, yet people are still very superstitious.
In some places, people who die suddenly are prohibited from entering the village and must set up a tent outside.
Clothes from these individuals are even more likely to be discarded. If one secretly gifts them to friends or relatives to avoid waste, it may lead friends and relatives to sever ties. Consequently, those with weaker psychological endurance may develop mental health issues, resulting in more harm than good.
Out of respect for others and the deceased, no one gives away the clothes of the deceased to avoid spreading germs or bad luck to friends.
Eliminating Bacteria and Viruses
Except for those who die unexpectedly, most people’s deaths are linked to illness, especially the elderly, those with chronic conditions, and ultimately dying from disease.
There are certainly many bacteria on their bodies; keeping such clothes is very unhygienic and can lead to bacterial or viral infections.
Burning clothes is also a way to eliminate parasites, which often proliferate in some chronically ill individuals… (Illustrative image).
Especially in ancient times, during an era lacking medical treatment and medicines, epidemics frequently occurred, resulting in many deaths. Although people then were not wealthy, to prevent the spread of disease to others, they would not leave the clothes of the deceased for use.
Doctors believe that it is a type of parasite, which often thrives in some chronically ill individuals, so they recommend that children check the used bed linens.
Generally, only high temperatures exceeding 100 degrees Celsius can kill most bacteria, which is why people use the method of burning clothes to prevent the spread of bacteria.
Some young people’s criticism of the practice of burning clothes as feudal superstition is also incorrect; traditions that have been passed down for thousands of years must have their reasons, and we should respect these traditional customs of our ancestors.
