In Japan, cemeteries are built in accordance with the "Law Concerning Cemeteries, Burials, etc. (Grave Burial Law)," but there is no rule that a deceased person's remains must be interred in a grave. Of course, disposing of a body or burying it anywhere other than a cemetery is illegal, but scattering bones to return them to nature is permitted as long as certain rules are followed. It is also acceptable to keep the remains at home or elsewhere for memorial services.
This raises the question, "Why build a grave when there is no obligation to do so?" In addition to being a place to store the remains of the deceased, graves are also thought to play a role in providing spiritual support for the bereaved. While beliefs differ between religions such as Christianity and Buddhism, in Japan, there is a common belief that the soul of the deceased resides in the grave. After death, graves exist as a place of emotional support, where memories of the deceased can be recovered and a connection reaffirmed. Grave visits have also served as a bridge between relatives, connecting them through their grief over the death of the deceased, and an educational role in teaching the preciousness of life that has been passed down from ancestors for generations.
An interesting survey result suggests that grave visits are also an effective educational event. The survey was conducted among young men and women across Japan to ascertain the impact graves and grave visits have on children. Four results emerged.
1. People who visited graves from the age of three or younger tend to "value life and appreciate beauty."
2. People who visit graves less frequently tend to be more negative about working toward their future dreams and goals and to lack self-confidence.
3. People who were involved in the purchase of a grave tend to have a stronger spirit of challenge, "willing to take on even difficult challenges."
4. When we looked at the marriage rate based on the frequency of grave visits made before the early years of elementary school, the higher the frequency, the more likely the individuals were married.
This survey was conducted by a gravestone company, and even if we discount the desire to sell gravestones, it's easy to sense that cherishing one's ancestors has some positive effect. Recently, there has been an increase in the choice to forgo building a gravestone and burying the remains in a grave, opting instead for scattering ashes or offering memorial services at home. While not building a grave has its benefits, such as reducing construction costs and saving land, it also has its downsides, such as the demise of the time-honored custom of grave visits. Because grave visits are deeply cultural in nature, some people question whether they are a sign of a loss of Japanese spirituality and a loss of morality and ethics. It's said that today's society is seeing fewer people believing in gods, ancestors, and spirits than in the past. Perhaps as a result of this, more people are finding less meaning in cemeteries themselves and seeking more efficient burial practices. However, it can also be said that graves exist not for the deceased, but rather for those left behind. Perhaps the act of conveying feelings through grave visits is important, allowing us to reflect on our inner selves as we live in the present. Scattering ashes at a "scattering mountain" allows you to pay respects at the resting place of your loved ones without the expense of erecting a gravestone.
Reference: "What is the meaning of a grave? Adult Relearning TV"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kv9p03-mnh0
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