Funeral Rites: A Preliminary Exploration of Hong Kong's Funeral Culture
This book delves into the evolution of funeral culture in modern Hong Kong from a social history perspective. It explores how funerals serve as formal farewells to the deceased and provide emotional comfort to their families. Traditionally, funerals in Chinese society constructed social networks, reflecting Confucian values of respect, hierarchy, gender differences, and age order. However, with the decline of traditional beliefs and the influence of Western culture, Hong Kong's funeral culture has undergone significant changes. This book analyzes the causes and processes of this transformation, offering valuable insights. Additionally, the book includes two appendices featuring oral interviews with funeral practitioners, providing readers with a glimpse into their daily work and emotions.