JULY’S Newsletter

Why do we hold memorial services for our ancestors? (1)

Have you ever been told to hold memorial services for your deceased ancestors by your uncles, aunts or any family members? In this newsletter, there is also a memorial services’ notice for members. Why do we hold memorial services for our ancestors? Besides, they say we should hold the services for the 49 days, the 1st year, the 3rd year, the 7th, the 13th, the 17th, the 23rd, the 27th... Why? There are many questions about memorial services.

In this issue, let us explore the history of memorial services and find the answer to the many questions you may have about it.

The custom of memorial services was mainly started in China. However, before Buddhism was disseminated to China from India, there was a custom to have ceremonies of the 7th day, the 14th day, the 21st day, the 28th day, the 35th day and the 49th day for those deceased in India. Then the 100th day, the 1st year and the 3rd year memorial services were added to the customs in China. After the custom was introduced to Japan, the 7th, the 13th, and the 33rd year services were added in Japan in the 12th century to 14th century. Furthermore, the 17th, the 35th year’s memorials were added in the 16th century in Japan. Then, the 23rd, the 27th, the 33rd, the 37th, the 43rd, the 47th, the 50th and the 100th year’s memorial have been added to the present style of memorial services.

In all cases, the concept of holding the memorial services are based on that the descendants express their appreciation to their ancestors. But, why do we have to appreciate our ancestors, then? We do not even know our ancestors who are fifth or sixth generations before us. So, let us think about the reason.

You have your parents. Your parents have their parents. So, the third generation before, you have six ancestors including your father and mother. The fourth generation before you, you have fourteen ancestors... Then, ten generations before you, how many ancestors do you think you have? One thousand and twenty-four ancestors should be needed to make you exist here and now. Even if one of them did not exist in this world, you would not be here now. Therefore, it is quite natural for anyone if they respect their ancestors.