Ancient China's belief in the afterlife | National Museums Liverpool

Summary

The ancient Chinese concept of the afterlife is explored, revealing a belief in the continuation of life after death. Wealthy individuals ensured their earthly possessions, including daily utensils and personal items, accompanied them in the afterlife. Notably, jade objects, such as the uniquely shaped shoes found atop a Duke's coffin and the largest jade plaque in China, were highly valued for their perceived magical properties. Jade was believed to protect the deceased from decay and ward off evil spirits, reflecting the deep cultural significance of these burial practices.

Takeaways

• 👣 The ancient Chinese believed in a continuation of life after death, which influenced their burial practices.
• 🏺 Wealthy individuals ensured their burials included daily utensils and personal items to accompany them in the afterlife.
• 🐎 Animal models were buried with the deceased, possibly to serve them in the next life.
• 👟 Jade shoes were found atop a Duke's coffin, suggesting a protective role for the deceased in the afterlife.
• 🌟 Jade was considered to have magical properties in ancient China, offering protection to the deceased.
• 🛡 Jade was believed to prevent the decay of the body and ward off demons and evil spirits.
• 🏺 The largest jade plaque ever found in China is part of the exhibition, highlighting the importance of jade in burial rituals.
• 🎨 Jade was shaped into various forms, including shoes, indicating its multifaceted use in burial practices.
• 💎 The use of jade in burials reflects the high status and wealth of the deceased, as well as their social beliefs.
• 🗝 Jade's protective qualities were thought to extend beyond the physical, offering spiritual safeguarding in the afterlife.
• 🎼 The script is accompanied by music, which may enhance the emotional impact and engagement with the topic.

Q & A

What was the ancient Chinese belief about the afterlife?

Ancient Chinese believed that their life would continue after death.

Why did wealthy ancient Chinese bury everyday utensils and personal items with the deceased?

They wanted to ensure they could take everything they had in life on earth with them to the afterlife.

What role did models of animals play in ancient Chinese tombs?

Models of animals were buried with the deceased to accompany them in the afterlife.

Why were Jade shoes found on top of the Duke's coffin in ancient China?

Jade shoes were presumably placed there to protect the deceased.

What is the significance of the largest Jade plaque found in China?

It represents the belief in the magical properties of Jade and its protective role for the deceased.

What properties were attributed to Jade by the ancient Chinese?

Jade was believed to have magical properties that could protect the body from decay and keep out demons and evil spirits.

How did the ancient Chinese use Jade in their burial practices?

Jade was shaped into various objects, such as shoes and plaques, and placed with the deceased to provide protection and prevent decay.

What is the connection between Jade and the afterlife in ancient Chinese culture?

Jade was used in burial practices to protect the deceased and ensure a peaceful afterlife by warding off evil spirits.

Why were everyday items buried with the deceased in ancient China?

It was a way to provide the deceased with the comforts and necessities of life in the afterlife.

How did the belief in the afterlife influence burial practices in ancient China?

The belief led to the inclusion of personal items, Jade objects, and models of animals in burials to ensure a comfortable and protected afterlife.

What can the use of Jade in ancient Chinese tombs tell us about their cultural beliefs?

The use of Jade indicates a deep-rooted belief in the afterlife and the importance of protection and preservation for the deceased.