Honouring Forbearers
'Honouring Forbearers'
Yangjiabu, Shandong
52 x 30 cm
modern reprint of early 20th century image
A central element of Chinese culture is the honour that younger generations pay to their elders and ancestors. While most people kept a simple shrine to the ancestors in their home, the wealthiest would construct a special ancestral hall. This picture shows us a popular conception of one such hall and the many members of the younger generations who arrive to pay their respects to the elders seated in the place of honour. Behind the elders is the altar where candles burn and sacrifices to the ancestors a laid.
copyright 2003
