Life's Message Book (A Grand View of Foreign Tombstone Culture)

Author: Li Jia Compiler
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-01-01
Features: In China, cemeteries and related matters are often taboo topics. When they are unavoidable to mention, the images that come to mind are mostly crowded, neatly arranged rows of tombstones in grayish hills—bleak colors and rigid layouts themselves suggest the absence of life; or the "soul homes" under fluttering white banners as a train passes through rural fields—where the wishes of the living, conveyed through concrete and mosaics, instead seem to impose a restriction on life. Whether in cities or the countryside, cemeteries give the impression of desolation and oppression, a world disconnected from life. In these cemeteries, the tombstones, all similar in shape, record largely identical information:、—strictly speaking, none of them qualify as epitaphs. Perhaps it's due to the national character—our inherent reserve and restraint make us reluctant to reveal our true feelings on tombstones. Since "relatives or I may mourn, others have already sung," we bury the deceased with standardized sentences and emotionless words. As a result, epitaphs are cut off from the common people, becoming the privilege of the famous—though the form remains restrained, listing their deeds and merits respectfully for others to pay their respects. The epitaphs of Westerners in this book are mostly collected from the compiler's travels, with the majority gathered from the Internet and books, translated and presented to readers. We hope that while readers offer criticism and corrections on our translation, they also approach the cultural differences between the East and the West with tolerance and inclusiveness. We hope that this topic of death brings readers a deeper love for life and reflection.