In traditional Chinese culture, burial goods refer to items placed inside a coffin or tomb during a funeral ceremony to accompany the deceased.
According to traditional Chinese customs, these burial goods are intended to honor and care for the departed; consequently, certain taboos must be observed when selecting them. The following are some common taboos regarding burial goods:
Sharp Objects: Do not place sharp items-such as knives, scissors, or needles-inside the grave, as doing so is believed to risk harming the spirit of the deceased.
Rare Books and Cultural Artifacts: Do not include valuable books, calligraphy, paintings, or cultural artifacts, to prevent the potential damage or loss of cultural heritage.
Gold, Silver, and Treasures: Do not place gold, silver, jewelry, or other valuables in the grave; this serves to deter grave robbery and also aligns with the traditional funeral ethos of frugality and simplicity.
Perishable Foods: Do not include foods that spoil easily, as they may generate foul odors and potentially spread disease.
Personal Care Products: Do not place personal hygiene items-such as shampoo, soap, or toothpaste-in the grave, as doing so is believed to cause unnecessary distress to the deceased.
Spirit Money and Candles: Do not include spirit money (joss paper) or candles among the burial goods; these items are typically used for making offerings to deities or deceased relatives during rituals, and placing them directly inside the coffin or tomb is considered inauspicious.
Vigorous Plants: Do not include plants with strong vitality or rapid growth rates, as they may create difficulties for the subsequent landscaping and maintenance of the cemetery grounds.