Why is there a Vigil?

People are born, they die, people die every day, and new people are born. This is perhaps a kind of reincarnation in human society.

And after a person passes away, the living relatives hold a funeral for the deceased. In China, there is a traditional custom of "keeping the spirit of the dead" in the funeral.

This "wake" is also known as a "vigil" and is basically limited to three days. The reason is that in ancient times, people believed that within three days after death, the spirit of a person had to come home to visit him or her. Therefore, the children were expected to wait in the funeral hall for the soul's return.

This custom of "keeping the soul" is documented in the Book of Rites, which reads, "Three days after the coffin, in order to wait for its birth. Therefore, the saints for the decision to three days for the ritual system also"

According to the record, there will be such a custom will be in order to prevent the occurrence of false death, so it is necessary to have loved ones vigil for three days.

And evolved to the present, has become loved ones get together to mourn the dead.