Nantong bans feudal funeral goods to promote safe tomb sweeping practices

The recent banning of the production and sale of feudal and superstitious funeral goods in Nantong, a city in Jiangsu province, has sparked widespread debate, with many Chinese netizens arguing that the ban failed to consider local customs and traditions, and overlooked the diverse cultural and traditional mourning practices of different groups.

A notice banning the production and sale of feudal and superstitious funeral goods, including ghost money and paper effigies, was issued by Nantong's Civil Affairs Bureau on Tuesday.

Those found in violation of the ban will have their goods confiscated and may face fines ranging from one to three times the value of production or sales.

Wan Zhiguang, secretary-general of the Nantong Funeral Association, emphasized the importance of a civilized, low-carbon and safe approach to commemorations, particularly on Tomb Sweeping Day.

He highlighted several recent fires caused by improper burning of paper offerings and stressed the need to learn from their environmental impact.

"However, I believe that local governments will uphold respect for the customs and traditions of the people, ensuring that the public's normal tomb sweeping activities remain unaffected," Wan said.

Nantong resident Dong Xing said he strongly opposed the ban on the burning of ghost money and paper effigies.

"Some people may consider it superstitious," he said. "But I insist on burning such goods in case my deceased loved ones can really receive the paper money I burn for them in another world.

"I'll do whatever may make their life better. It brings me comfort and peace."

The Nantong Civil Affairs Bureau said the ban was issued with the aim of abolishing feudal superstitions and safeguarding the environment.

However, the timing of the ban ahead of next Thursday's Tomb Sweeping Day might lead to public misunderstandings, it admitted.

The bureau's move aligns with policies in various regions that promote civilized rituals, eliminate outdated customs, and prohibit the production and sale of feudal and superstitious funeral goods.

Cities including Harbin in Heilongjiang province have implemented regulations that forbid the placement and burning of such items during funeral activities and engagement in feudal superstitious activities. Shanghai, Qingdao in Shandong province, Lanzhou in Gansu province and Chongqing have also released funeral management regulations to prevent the disruption of public order and the use of feudal and superstitious funeral goods at funeral service venues.

Zhao Jian, a folklorist in Nanjing, emphasized the need to prohibit certain behaviors from a fire safety perspective. While supporting the promotion of eco-friendly tomb sweeping, he also stressed that the transition from customary practices should not be rushed.

He said urban management officials should take into account both regulations and traditional customs, as well as the sentiments of the people.

"These traditions have been fundamental in Chinese culture for honoring ancestors throughout history," Zhao said. "Burning ghost money is a customary part of the tomb sweeping process, akin to the gesture of offering flowers as a sign of respect. Therefore, categorizing these practices as feudal superstitions may not be appropriate."

He suggested the authorities could encourage alternative eco-friendly methods, such as offering flowers and planting trees, adding that banning the burning of ghost money may be lacking in empathy and should be handled with care.

cangwei@chinadaily.com.cn