Democratic Sentinel, Volume 20, Number 38, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 25 September 1896 — A Chinese Funeral. [ARTICLE]

A Chinese Funeral.

A well-conducted Chinese funeral is the most forgeous sight in Asia. At the front of the funeral procession walk the noisy, musicless musicians. Then come men beasiag the insignia of the dignity of the dead, if he had any. Next come more men, carrying figures of animals, idols, umbrellas and blue an 1 white streamers. After them come men carrying pans of perfume. Just before the coffin walk bonzes, Chinese priests. Over the coffin a canopy is usually carried. The casket Is borne by about a score of men. Immediately behind the coffin walk the children of the deceased. The eldest son comes first. He Is dressed in canvas and leans heavily upon a stout stick. He is supposed to be too exhausted by grief and fasting to walk without the aid of the staff. The other children and relatives follow this chief mourner. They are clothed in white linen garments. The women are carried in chairs. They sob and wail at Intervals and in unison. When the burying place is reached the bonzes begin chanting a mass for the dead, and the coffin is put in the tomb. A large, oblong white marble table Is placed before the tomb. On the middle of it are set a censer and two vases and two candlesticks, all of as exquisite workmanship as possible. Then they have a paper cremation. Paper figures of men, horses, garments and a score of other things are burned. They are supposed to undergo a material resurrection and to be useful to the dead In the Chinese heaven. The tomb is sealoil up or closed, and an entertainment concludes the ceremony at the grave.— Chicago News.