The Send Off

 As we spend our last few hours in our apartment, a funeral is starting in the apartment complex center square. This will mean several hours of loud music, singing, wailing, and general noise. Generally, foreigners leave the apartment complex during these days because it can be difficult to think because of all the noise. Unfortunately, our new apartment will be right next to the square.

A few weeks ago, there was another funeral in the complex, and I went down to take some photos. Funerals are quite the community event, and although I was obviously just curious about the goings on, I was received well and even given a water bottle. They generally set up two tents in the square for the friends and family of the deceased, and then onlookers gather around outside.

They often bring in a band (or two in this case) who generally focus more on volume than accuracy believing that to be loudly off key or off beat is better than not being heard distinctly. I politely, and quietly, disagree.

For an idea of the general cacophony, watch this video.

In addition to the bands, the ceremony includes mourners marching around the square (led by some type of priest, I believe), some dancers (a strange addition to the general proceedings), and professional mourners wailing over the loudspeakers. It makes quite the scene and is interesting the first time or two you watch it, but the novelty quickly fades an hour or so into the ceremony (which could last 6-8 hours).

 

After the procession completes its marching, they sit in front of a memorial (or possibly an idol) and genuflect in front of it. This was the last thing I watched as the noise and novelty had worn off.

 

I hear the funeral starting up now, and as much as I dislike the noise, it is a fitting occasion for our last day in China because it reminds me of the general fatalistic hopelessness this society has. Which in turn reminds me of why we are here.