The James T. Callow Folklore Archive

JAPANESE FUNERAL

WHILE MY DAD WAS LIVING IN JAPAN, HE ATTENDED THE
CREMATION OF A JAPANESE FRIEND'S FATHER. THE ACTUAL
CREAMATION WAS NOT OBSERVED BY THE MOURNERS AND SO
THE CEREMONIES BEGAN AFTER THE ASHES OF THE DECEASED
WERE PLACED IN A JAR. AFTER THE CEREMONIES, EACH
VISITOR WENT UP AND BOWED DOWN IN FRONT OF THE JAR
AND TOUCHED THEIR FOREHEAD TO THE GROUND. THIS
GESTURE WAS TO SHOW RESPECT FOR THE SPIRIT OF THE
DECEASED AND THE FAMILY OF THE DECEASED.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT

Date learned: 03-10-1968