Remembering the ancestors online
- Source: Global Times
- [03:56 March 25 2010]
- Comments
By Li Likui
Mourning the deceased through digital means is becoming more popular as people try to avoid traffic jams after the authorities announced a record number of tomb-sweepers for the upcoming Qingming Festival, or Tomb-sweeping Day.
The government has estimated that 2.5 million people will sweep graves during the festival, a new record compared to previous years.
Badaling Cemetery (BC), one of the medium-sized cemeteries in Beijing, alone, will receive 40,000 to 50,000 people during the Tomb Sweeping vacation.
There will be 700 to 800 more graves every year in the cemetery, which will attract 3,500 to 4,000 more people to the cemetery.
"An increase in crowds will bring an increase in cars," said Chen Shuo, the manager of the cemetery.
"The Bureau of Civil Affairs advocates citizens to memorialize their family members on-line," said Mr. Han from the cemetery.
More than 10,000 people have registered with the on-line Badaling Cemetery since it was first introduced five years ago. People who register can have their own web page, like a blog, with the option of being open to the public or not. Registrants can sweep the tombs, and send flowers and dedicate songs to the deceased.
"Every day we get only 5 or 6 new registrants," said Chen, "It doesn't affect the amount of people going to the cemetery to sweep tombs in person."
The online cemetery is a free service provided by different cemeteries.
The cemetery will also send emails to remind people to visit the online service when the festival is near.
But the idea has provoked a debate on the Internet.
Some Web users think the on-line cemetery is pretty and provides more ways to remember their ancestors.
"The online cemetery is pro-environment, as no sacrifices are needed," said Chen, "Additionally it is more convenient for those who work a long way from the cemetery."
"I don't think this is a sincere way to honor the deceased," said Liu Jia, a student of the Beijing Foreign Studies University.
The Beijing Times reported that the police have collaborated with other government units, and searched 111 cemeteries to solve potential safety hazards people may encounter.
