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Gongteck Prayers Ceremony at Klang Selangor, Malaysia

Ancestor worship is based on the belief that the bereaved family members of the deceased have a continued existence and possess the ability to influence the fortunes of the living. Early forms of ancestor worship were deeply rooted and extensively developed by the Late Neolithic Period in China. With the teachings of Confucianism and Taoism, religious traditions such as ancestor worship have become an integral part of the daily activities of Chinese descendants.
 

The goal of ancestor worship is to ensure the well-being of ancestors in the netherworld and sometimes to request special favors or assistance. The social function of ancestor worship is to cultivate kinship values such as filial piety, family loyalty, and the continuity of the family lineage.

 

The rituals of ancestor worship commonly involve making offerings to deceased ancestors to ensure their welfare in the afterlife, which is often imagined resembling earthly life. Ancestor worship typically begins with the funeral of a deceased family member, during which the bereaved family may engage Taoist priests to perform repentance prayers, seeking spiritual enlightenment for the deceased.

 

After three years from the death anniversary of a deceased, it is generally believed that they will be ready for reincarnation. The bereaved family often engages Taoist priests to perform a gongteck prayer ceremony. In addition to offering delicious food and drinks, essential items such as houses, modern cars, electrical appliances, boxes of gold and silver, and most importantly, hell money (all made of papier-mâché) are provided. Burning these items symbolizes sending them to the deceased for their use in the afterlife, emphasizing the importance of not squandering such offerings.
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Location: Selangor, Malaysia

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