44 SMITHSONIAN MISCELLANEOUS COLLECTIONS VOL. I42 



heard of other funerals in which opium pipes, rickshas, automobiles, 

 and other modern things were burned. According to the testimony 

 of the participants and many others, it was believed that these things 

 were transformed by burning into similar things that could be used 

 by the deceased persons in the spirit world. 



According to ancient custom, after the death of a parent or a grand- 

 parent a three-year period of mourning is observed. During that time 

 the descendants avoid wearing their best clothing. At the end of a 

 year priests are called to conduct memorial ceremonies for a day or 

 more, including the chanting of their sacred books. This is also done 

 at the end of the second year. At the end of the third year mourning 

 is discontinued, the relatives appear in full dress, and there is a feast. 



The following is my translation of a deed such as is burned at 

 funerals in West China. These are printed and sold in Chinese shops. 

 The blanks are to be filled out with Chinese pen and ink before the 

 funeral. 



Burial Deed 



The yin-yang department — for the issuance of a deed. Now of 



the great Chinese Republic, taking orders (from the department) to finish the 



legal procedure, thankfully asks for the good luck and filialness of , 



prostrating for (the dead person) . He was born in (year), 



in (month) on (day), and at (hour). He 



grew up in , and lived years. His living was limited, so 



he died in (year), (month), (day), and 



• (hour). Now having divined a lucky time, at (time) he 



came to this mountain to be buried. The God of the Earth received (the de- 

 ceased) for the amount of money nine thousand nine hundred and 



ninety cash, and with a five-colored ribbon takes the dragon son's hill, a lucky 

 place. One home through the heart (right on the spot, dig a hole). The size 

 of the hole is 18 steps. It is located at hill, facing direc- 

 tion. This location is sold to for burial purposes. On the east is the 



heavenly green dragon, south is the heavenly red bird, west is the heavenly 

 white tiger, and north is the black bird. In the center is the Kou-ch'eng star, 

 above the sky cover. Below is the respectful earth department, and the four 

 trigrams, chien, ktin, hsuen, and chut, so the eight trigrams are divided very 

 clearly. 



While living, he dwelt in the house ; now dead, he is buried in this tomb. Now, 

 relying on this boy wearing green clothes (a heavenly messenger), we pay the 

 money. Afterward this will be a burial ground forever, so that the nine palaces 

 (in paradise) will give birth to honored sons. Then the eight trigrams will 

 protect your children. The buried corpse cannot be expelled. No one can invade 

 the old tomb. If there are spooks or demons or a property owner who comes 

 to occupy this grave, let the dead person who receives the ground with this deed 

 report to the goddess of heaven, and let him be examined and punished according 

 to law. 



