The INTERVENTION part is crucial, so I’m going to start with a general clarification of what the INTERVENTION is written about, as well as organising the process and feedback for my own UNIT 4 workshop.
Intervention & Feedback:
– Intervention workshop
From my previous research on ritual objects, ritual documents and feedback from stakeholders in unit 3, I tested the feasibility and practical impact of these innovative designs on emotional connection in traditional funeral rituals in this workshop.
– Workshop content and process
In the workshop, I introduced participants to the traditional Chinese funeral process and directed attention to the possibility of adding personalised elements to the ceremony.
1. Personalised Paper Offerings:
I invite participants to design personalised paper offerings for the deceased, which can be things that match the hobbies or personality of the deceased during his/her lifetime.
2. Ceremony simulation and burning experience:
Participants simulated to express their remembrance to the deceased by burning these designed paper ritual items after the viewing ceremony or flower-laying ceremony.
– Discussion and exchange
Participants have mentioned that funeral practices vary considerably from region to region. However, regardless of the variations in format, almost all expressed a high degree of empathy for the burning of funeral objects. Some participants also mentioned that it was as if they were making some kind of connection with the deceased through the flame.
– Feedback and reflection
The workshop went really well with the participants was well attended and I have reflected on it based on the following points:
- Deeper emotional connection
- Perception change
- Cultural adaptability
- Cultural heritage and innovation
- Relationship between a sense of ritual and emotional expression
– Potential challenges:
1. Cognitive differences
2. Further exploration of specific forms
3. The boundary between emotion and commerce
-Conclusion: Through this workshop, I verified the feasibility of incorporating personalised designs into the traditional Chinese funeral process. Personalised paper rituals not only provide participants with a channel to express their emotions and remembrance, but also breathe new life into the traditional rituals.