In the traditional Chinese Almanac (Lao Huangli), "Relocating Grave, Opening the Coffin, and Collecting Gold/Bones" (启钻开棺拾金 - Qi Zuan Kai Guan Shi Jin) is a series of ritual activities related to funerals, usually referring to the process of opening a grave that has been buried for a period of time, removing the remains, and reburying them. This series of rituals holds significant importance in ancient Chinese society, especially in Han culture. Below is a detailed explanation of these three terms respectively:
"Qi Zuan" refers to the act of opening an already buried old grave. In ancient China, this usually refers to the situation where, several years after the initial burial (such as three, five, or seven years), it is necessary to exhume the ancestors' remains for reburial due to Feng Shui needs, family relocation, or other reasons. Selecting the date for Qi Zuan is one of the "Suit" and "Avoid" matters in the Lao Huangli, requiring the selection of an auspicious day to ensure the entire process goes smoothly without offending the spirits of the deceased.
"Kai Guan" refers to opening a coffin that has been buried for a period of time. This step often occurs in situations where it is necessary to relocate the grave, collect the bones, or rebury the deceased. In traditional culture, people believe that the soul of the deceased still exists in the world and can perceive external changes. Therefore, before opening the coffin, there are usually certain rituals to appease the spirit, ensuring the entire process goes smoothly without disturbing the dead. Opening the coffin requires careful selection of an auspicious day and adherence to corresponding etiquette and norms.
"Shi Jin" here does not mean picking up money, nor does it mean placing gold, silver, and treasures. In traditional funeral culture, "Shi Jin" is also known as "Shi Gu" (collecting bones) or "Jian Jin," specifically referring to the process of removing the remains from the original cemetery, cleaning the bones, and reburying them. This is an important component of the traditional Chinese "secondary burial" custom—first conducting an earth burial, waiting for the body to decompose naturally (usually taking three to several years), and then opening the coffin to collect the bones, washing them clean, and placing them into a pottery urn (Jin Dou Weng - golden urn) or a small coffin to be reburied on a selected auspicious day. This custom reflects the traditional concepts of "finding peace in the earth" (Ru Tu Wei An) and "prosperous descendants."
The term "Qi Zuan Kai Guan Shi Jin" integrates the above three steps, representing a complete set of funeral etiquette procedures. It reflects the respectful attitude of ancient Chinese society towards death and the afterlife, while also reflecting the importance people attach to concepts such as family continuation and ancestor worship. In modern society, although many places have simplified these traditional rituals, similar customs and habits are still preserved in certain regions or under specific circumstances.
