Chinese individual residing in Spain clarifies standard practices upon death of compatriots: "We do not consume their remains"
In Spain, the Chinese community has significantly grown over the last few decades, yet Chinese funerals remain uncommon. A Chinese man living in Spain, known as @elchinosevillano on TikTok, provides explanations for the cultural reasons behind this phenomenon.
According to @elchinosevillano, when a Chinese person dies in Spain, certain cultural practices are observed that reflect traditional Chinese customs adapted to the local context. One such practice is the use of white flowers like chrysanthemums to symbolize mourning and grief, as white is the color of mourning in Chinese culture.
Another traditional Chinese practice observed is the offering of paper substitutes of goods and paper money burned or buried with the deceased to provide for them in the afterlife. The number 4 is also avoided due to its association with death in Chinese and is considered bad luck.
Cremation is the most common practice in Spain when someone dies, and family members often send the urn back to China for burial alongside ancestors. Repatriation is considered a significant investment for maintaining roots by many Chinese families in Spain, with some families even having specific insurance that covers the costs.
@elchinosevillano clarifies that Chinese funerals are not a mystery and they do not involve eating the deceased, a common misconception. He attributes the lack of Chinese funerals to cultural reasons, with many elderly Chinese individuals choosing to return to their hometown to die, surrounded by their people and "in connection with their ancestors".
While direct details from @elchinosevillano’s TikTok are limited, these referenced elements illustrate how Chinese funerary customs, emphasizing symbolic offerings and mourning colors, might be adapted or observed by the Chinese community in Spain.
In summary, the cultural practices include using white flowers (chrysanthemums) in mourning, avoiding the number 4 due to its association with death, burning paper substitutes of goods and money for the deceased's afterlife, and adapting these traditions within the Spanish context. Repatriation of the deceased's remains is a common practice among Chinese families in Spain, and the cost is often covered by specific insurance.
Incorporating elements from Chinese culture within the Spanish lifestyle, the Chinese community in Spain observes unique health-and-wellness practices, such as the employment of white flowers like chrysanthemums for rituals of mourning, and the avoidance of the number 4 due to its connection with death. Additionally, science and fashion fusion can be seen in the burning or burying of paper substitutes of goods and money, a practice meant to support the deceased in their afterlife. As mental-health considerations are crucial, it's essential to respect the importance of cultural-travel experiences like understanding the reasons behind the rare occurrence of Chinese funerals in Spain, as explained by @elchinosevillano.
