Understanding the Core Stages of Mijusuima
A. Preparations and Initial Stages: Before the Departure
While the formal Mijusuima process begins with death, the preparatory stages often involve a degree of forethought. In anticipation of the inevitable, families may begin gathering information, sharing wishes for the funeral, and discussing burial or cremation preferences. This proactive approach, born of respect and preparedness, is an integral part of managing the end-of-life process. Families may inform relatives and close friends, and begin to make preliminary arrangements with funeral homes. Key items such as burial attire and potential locations for the service or the grave-site itself are discussed.
Within traditional Korean families, especially those with deep Confucian roots, rituals such as Sanggye (상계), a gesture of gifting the deceased’s life to others, and Jeongyeong (정경), a time of reflection, are significant. These moments of reflection and remembrance start before the final moment, underscoring that Mijusuima is not only about what happens when someone dies, but also a continuation of life and familial bonds.
B. The Immediate Aftermath: Initial Rituals and Remembrance
The moment of death initiates the most immediate stages of the mourning process. The family will begin preparations according to what the deceased would have wanted and the beliefs of the family. This involves various steps, including notifying distant relatives and making arrangements for the funeral home or the place the ritual will be held. Families often set up a Myeongjeon (명전), or an altar, as an immediate tribute to the departed. This altar often features a photograph of the deceased and food offerings, symbolizing continued connection and nourishment of the spirit.
Often, an initial Jesa (제사), or memorial service, takes place within the first few days after death. This is a solemn occasion where immediate family and close friends gather to pay their respects, offer condolences, and begin the mourning process. The atmosphere is usually somber, filled with the sounds of mourning and the sharing of memories. The Myeongjok (명족) – or obituary, is the formal written announcement of the passing of the deceased. This will often be written by the eldest son and will describe details, such as the time and place of death, as well as the family members left behind.
C. The Funeral Itself: The Central Ceremonies
The funeral itself, the focal point of Mijusuima, usually spans a period of several days, often centered around three days of formal ritual. This timeframe, while fairly standard, is subject to variation depending on the various influences, that will be elaborated upon further. The stages of the funeral are carefully planned.
1. Preparing for the Passage:
One of the most important choices to be made during preparations is selecting the burial site. This is a major decision and, traditionally, families sought auspicious locations according to the principles of pungsu (풍수), the Korean version of Feng Shui. This choice is rooted in the belief that the location of the burial affects the well-being of the deceased’s soul and the fortune of the surviving family. Another significant task is arranging the funeral venue, whether at a funeral home, a religious institution, or the family home. Lastly, providing food and drink for mourners is crucial, as feeding the assembled family and friends represents an important aspect of the mourning process, reflecting the deep-seated Korean value of sharing and mutual support.
2. Core Funeral Rituals:
* The Simgok: As the grieving starts, families often start with Simgok (심곡). The family shares heartfelt lamentations and grief in a mournful expression. The family will openly show their sorrow for the deceased, as they are supported by family and friends.
* Preparing the Deceased: The process of preparing the deceased involves carefully dressing the body in funeral attire, often consisting of traditional garments. It includes the ceremonial washing of the body, which is usually undertaken by family members or designated professionals. The corpse will be placed in a coffin as the family begins the final steps.
* The Ceremony of Burial or Cremation: The burial or cremation ceremony marks the final parting. These will take place depending on the preferences of the deceased and the family. Following the conclusion of the burial service, the family begins their journey toward returning to a state of normality. The deceased will be sent off, and this is usually a time of both sorrow and peace. The family will be in mourning as they take their leave from the body.
* The Chief Mourner’s Role: The Sangju (상주), typically the eldest son or a close male relative of the deceased, holds a central role in this whole process. They are responsible for managing the funeral, leading the rituals, and being the focal point of the family’s grief and respect. Their actions are a reflection of their devotion to the deceased and a demonstration of the values of filial piety.
D. Post-Funeral Rituals: The Long Shadow of Remembrance
The Mijusuima journey doesn’t end with the burial or cremation. The weeks and months following the funeral are just as important as the actual ceremony, as the family will continue to reflect and mourn for their departed loved one.
1. The Forty-Nine Day Mourning Period:
One of the most significant periods after the funeral is the forty-nine day mourning period. It is believed that the soul of the deceased spends forty-nine days after death passing through stages of judgment. During this period, families often abstain from certain activities and maintain a period of quiet reflection. During this time, they often offer daily prayers and perform memorial rites in an effort to help the deceased navigate the afterlife.
2. The Power of Memorial Services (Jesa):
Memorial services (Jesa) are held periodically after the funeral, on the anniversary of the death (the first anniversary, or che-il-je), and then annually. Jesa continues to be a central part of the Mijusuima tradition. These services are a continuation of paying respect to the deceased and reflect the enduring bonds between the living and the deceased. During these services, families gather to offer food, drink, and prayers to the spirit of the deceased. The first anniversary is particularly significant.
3. Extended Mourning Periods:
Following the interment, there may be a period of Jeokse (적세) to honor the memory of the deceased and maintain the mourning. These periods may have some of the families maintaining extra periods of mourning.
Factors Influencing the Duration of Mijusuima
As we have begun to understand, the overall duration of Mijusuima is not fixed. It’s a flexible process, shaped by numerous factors. Understanding these factors is key to understanding why the time-frame can vary widely.
A. Family Beliefs and Customs:
1. Religious Influence:
Religious beliefs are often at the core of the traditions surrounding Mijusuima. If the family adheres to Buddhist practices, the funeral may include rituals that focus on rebirth and achieving enlightenment. Confucian families emphasize ancestor veneration, which extends the period of memorial. Christianity may involve memorial services with the deceased and the focus on eternal life. These beliefs will influence the number of ceremonies, the types of prayers and the periods of mourning.
2. Family Traditions:
Beyond religious beliefs, family-specific customs play a significant role. Some families may have unique traditions regarding the duration of mourning, the rituals performed, or the types of offerings made. These traditions are often passed down through generations.
B. Socioeconomic Factors:
1. Affluence and Funeral Arrangements:
Wealth can play a role in shaping a family’s Mijusuima. Wealthier families might opt for more elaborate funerals, which can include longer memorial periods, more lavish burial sites, and extra memorial events.
2. Burial Site Considerations:
The cost of the burial site can have a great effect on how the family plans out their process. Those that wish for the burial of the deceased must also consider the cost of cemeteries and the process behind it. In general, this will affect the timeline.
C. The Location of Funeral and Services:
1. Urban and Rural Differences:
The geographical location of the funeral can have an effect on what the funeral process looks like. Some rural areas might have traditional practices and a slower pace to the events, while some urban areas might emphasize more modern practices.
2. Availability of Venues:
The area that the family is located in will determine the type of events. Funeral homes may offer various options, while, sometimes, family homes may be used for the funeral.
D. Governmental Rules and Regulations:
1. Legal requirements for the funeral home:
The rules and regulations that have been set in place will have an effect on the timeline. These rules may dictate the type of burial or cremation services, and other services, such as the memorial services.
The Modernization and Evolution of Mijusuima
Like all cultures, the practice of Mijusuima has seen changes over time, especially with the influence of modernization and societal shifts. It is constantly adapting to changing times.
1. Changes in Societal Views:
The views surrounding death have changed. There is increasing awareness surrounding the death of a loved one.
2. Adaptations:
The evolution of Mijusuima shows the resilience of the practice. The ceremonies are adapting, the modern era has brought about some changes, such as new options, like cremation.
Estimating the Overall Duration (Answering the Question)
The question of “How long is Mijusuima?” is not a simple one to answer.
A. Approximate Timelines:
The formal funeral service usually extends for the main, active, mourning time. If we consider that the pre-funeral preparations begin weeks or even months before the departure of a family member. The process then extends to three days for the funeral services themselves, and the immediate memorial services. The post-funeral rituals, including the 49-day period, anniversaries, and Jesa ceremonies, can extend for years, even a lifetime, depending on family traditions.
B. The Factors:
As discussed, religious beliefs, family traditions, socioeconomic factors, and geographical location all shape the timeline.
C. Adaptability:
The duration and specifics will change depending on the family’s wishes.
Conclusion
Mijusuima is a deeply embedded custom that reflects reverence for the deceased and the strength of familial bonds. The duration of the process, ranging from weeks to many years, depends on the variety of factors as discussed in this article. It underscores the importance of respect and remembrance. As Korean society continues to evolve, the traditions of Mijusuima persist, constantly evolving in response to change. The true legacy lies in the commitment to remembering those who have passed, preserving the core values of respect, filial piety, and the enduring ties that bind us together.
Resources & Further Reading
* Various Korean cultural and funeral practices websites
* Academic journals on Korean history and culture
* Books on Korean funeral practices and traditions
* Documentaries exploring Korean customs and heritage
