Reference

The concept of Shijie in Chinese ancestral rites is intricately linked to Taoist funeral rituals and the impersonation of deceased individuals. According to the search results, Shijie is a term that has a semantic extension from its basic meaning of "corpse" and is used in the context of Chinese funeral rituals and ancestral rites. It involves an impersonator who takes on the role of the deceased during the ceremony, which is a significant part of the Taoist funeral process. This practice is believed to help the deceased's spirit in their afterlife journey and to provide a connection between the living and the dead.

The concept of Shijie is also related to the broader context of Chinese ancestral rites, which are deeply rooted in Confucian values emphasizing filial piety and the veneration of ancestors. These rites often involve offerings of food and the performance of ceremonies to honor and remember ancestors, ensuring their spirits are respected and cared for in the afterlife.

While the search results do not provide a direct image related to Shijie, they do offer insights into the complex interplay between Taoist funeral practices, the role of impersonators, and the broader tradition of ancestral veneration in Chinese culture. This connection underscores the importance of maintaining relationships with ancestors and the continuation of spiritual practices that have been a part of Chinese culture for centuries.