Mandarin Monkey Podcast E13 - Funerals, Houses, Movies & Chit Chat
Sep 23, 2018
Explore the poignant and intricate customs surrounding Taiwanese funerals, from folding lotus paper offerings to the significance of fortune-telling in rituals. Discover insights on property ownership and mortgage challenges in Taiwan while dreaming of living inside a movie universe, like Newt Scamander's whimsical suitcase world. Tom and Ula contrast the terrifying moments in horror films with their real-life escapades, showcasing a blend of culture, personal anecdotes, and cinematic reflections that keep listeners entertained.
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Grandmother's Home Funeral And Blue Tent
- Ula explains her grandmother died peacefully at night and the family began traditional funeral preparations at home.
- Tom and Ula describe erecting a blue tent outside the house and community expectations not to look inside the tent.
How To Behave At Taiwanese Funerals
- When you see a large funeral tent in Taiwan, avoid staring because tradition sees it as rude and unlucky.
- Wear white or black to funerals and avoid red to show respect during mourning.
Paper Offerings Carry Blessings To The Spirit
- Families fold paper lotuses and yuanbao (paper ingots) as symbolic offerings to send the deceased to 极乐世界 (Buddhist heaven).
- Burning these paper offerings transfers the family's blessings, luck, and care to the spirit.
