To the Taoists, ancestor worship is an integral part of life as the Family is viewed as a closely united group of living and dead relatives. Ancestor worship is a religious practice based on the belief that deceased family members have a continued existence, that the spirits of deceased ancestors will look after the family and possess the ability to influence the fortune of the living. Ancestor worshipping is not asking for favours, but to fulfil one’s filial duties. The act is a way to respect, honour and look after ancestors in their after-lives guaranteeing the ancestors’ well-being as well as possibly seeking the ancestors’ wisdom, guidance or assistance for their living descendants.
For the ancestor worship, food will be offered to the ancestors, consisting of plates of savoury dishes, cakes, fruits and sweets. Also paper money will be burnt for the ancestors to ensure they have enough to spend in the other world.
The information in italics above was obtained from article entitled
L: The food that Brother Tai Kam spread out to offer to the ancestors
R: Brother Tai Kam burning money for the ancestors.
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