Mom, go into the coffin...I thought it was cheating, but filial piety?
Jul 11, 2025
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According to Chinese media Guizhou Radio TV and Hong Kong media South China Morning Post, 16 men were recently seen dragging and pushing a wooden coffin on the street in Taoyuan County, Changde City, Hunan Province, China.
In front of the workers, a band played and led an exciting atmosphere, and behind the scenes, the villagers followed the procession.
Inside the coffin, a woman in her 70s smiled brightly with a fan and waved to the residents who came out to watch. After the coffin arrived at the house, a ceremony of burning incense and offering sacrifices was also held.
The event was organized by the woman's son.
He wished his mother good health, long life, and good luck by preparing the coffin in advance," he said. In fact, in traditional Chinese customs, experiencing coffins by living elderly people is considered a symbolic act of wishing for longevity and peace. In addition, in rural China, there is a culture in which senior citizens over the age of 70 prepare coffins in advance and store them at home during their lifetime, which is considered a blessing.
Tang, a local resident who participated in the event, said "It is an old tradition in rural areas, a way of expressing filial piety to parents. It's rare these days, but the elderly are very happy." "Preparing a coffin for the elderly is to share joy," he said, adding that "the total cost is about 20,000 yuan (about 3.8 million won) including coffin transport workers, performers, and banquets."
The first eight and the second eight who carried the coffin on this day are also meaningful.
In traditional funerals, a symbolic number called 'palseon' or 'paldaegeumgang' symbolizes good luck and protection.
Netizens say "It's the first time I've seen a living person enter the coffin. I wish you good health until you are 100 years old," he said, while another said, `It is common to prepare a coffin in advance when you reach the age of 70, but it is rare to see such a grand event.'
This article was translated by Naver AI translator.
