Corpses to Cremains, Chickens to Jpegs The Reception of Cremation and Related Rites by Hong Kong's Practitioners of Popular Religio

This study investigates cremation in Hong Kong as well as a number of related practices---the use of columbaria, green burials, and the worship of ancestors online. Why these practices emerged is considered in addition to their promotion by the state and reception by practitioners of popular religion. It is demonstrated that cremation became accepted with little fuss for practical, political, and cultural-religious reasons. It is also shown that columbaria, although possessing desirable fengshui, are problematic in that they lack sites for worshiping Houtu and are becoming smoke-free. Green burials, campaigned for by the state and endorsed by ethicists, have been met with resistance because they involve scattering cremated ashes (viewed as harmful and/or disrespectful to the dead) and fail to provide ancestors with permanent places of rest. With regard to online worship, there has been little enthusiasm as it is does not concord with people's ritual sensibilities.