Grave goods-as the name implies-are items placed within a burial chamber alongside the deceased to express fond wishes for their journey into the afterlife. In traditional funeral rites, grave goods serve as symbols of the deceased's identity and social status, reflecting the standing they held during their lifetime. The Terracotta Army, a term familiar to many, is a prime example of such grave goods; thus, the concept itself should be no stranger to us.
The practice of including grave goods is deeply intertwined with human social consciousness and religious beliefs. The ancient philosophy of "treating the dead as if they were still alive" has long been deeply ingrained in the collective psyche, fostering a widespread sentiment that the deceased should be treated with special care, with the hope that they might enjoy a better existence in the netherworld.
Grave goods generally fall into two main categories. The first consists of items actually used by the deceased during their lifetime. However, given the practical limitations regarding the quantity and size of personal belongings-many of which simply cannot fit within a burial chamber-and the fact that precious items such as gold and silver jewelry are often too valuable to be buried (not to mention the belief that the magnetic fields of metals might have a negative influence on the deceased), a second category of grave goods emerged. These are items *not* used during one's lifetime-indeed, they often possess no practical utility whatsoever-but are crafted 'solely' for the purpose of burial; these are known as *mingqi* (spirit vessels), a term phonetically similar to "netherworld vessels."
The placement of grave goods must be carefully arranged according to the deceased's 'Wuxing' (Five Elements) profile to ensure their safe and smooth passage through the underworld. When arranging these items, one must avoid placing them directly atop the urn containing the ashes; instead, they should be positioned around the perimeter of the urn. While funeral customs and the specific types of grave goods vary from region to region, most traditions typically include items such as jade artifacts, ceramics, 'Ruyi' scepters (symbols of good fortune), the 'Five Grains' (staple crops), 'Money Trees,' gold ingots, and figurines of the 'Golden Boy and Jade Girl.'
Historically, the earliest grave goods consisted primarily of daily necessities and tools; over time, however, luxury items were also incorporated into this tradition. In some regions, following a death, the children of the deceased will craft paper effigies-such as paper cars or televisions-to be burned as grave offerings, ensuring that their loved one lacks nothing in the next world; this practice serves as a touching expression of profound filial piety. Furthermore, because grave goods remain buried underground for extended periods, their durability and preservation qualities are critical considerations; they must be resistant to corrosion and oxidation, and sturdy enough to avoid breakage. When taking all these factors into account, jade artifacts are generally considered the most suitable choice for grave goods-a selection that also reflects a high degree of sophistication and reverence.