Funerals In China. Reconsidering Death

China is an interesting place. The Chinese definitely have very different customs than in America. Since I've been here I've learned a lot about the Chinese culture. One day I was sitting in a restaurant and by restaurant I mean a little Chinese man cooking whatever he pleases in his walk he set up on the side of the street. It was my first day in Lingling. I was eating my favorite hand-pulled noodles when all of a sudden I saw a long parade of Chinese people carrying fancy decorations, flowers, and playing drums. The people were singing and lighting off fireworks. I had no idea what was going on. I assumed it was a special holiday. The next week I saw the same thing on my school campus. It looked like the entire town had come to walk around. It was insane. It was like a huge party. Fireworks literally went off all day for several days. It was crazy. I asked one of the English teachers what was going on. He informed me that it was for a funeral. Funeral..? What? It seemed a little too exciting for a funeral. I learned that this is their custom here in Lingling. They seriously do this for everyone and trust me I've now seen my share of funerals here.  It got me thinking… Death doesn't sound that bad in China. Chinese funerals are crazy. Why don't we do this in America? In America, everyone is always so depressed. I mean, it is sad to see loved ones leave, but do we really have to dwell on that? Why not celebrate the life they lived? I know I would much rather have everyone have a party for me than sit crying dressed in black. Maybe I'll just have to die in China.

Pictures: This is part of the parade. I have an awesome video of the funeral parade, but it won't let me e-mail it. I'll have to post it when I get home.