Reflections on Taiwanese Funeral Rituals in the Age of Commodification
At the heart of Taiwanese funeral traditions lies a deep connection between mourning rituals and cultural identity. However, as capitalism continues to reshape societal values, the symbolic meaning of these practices is shifting, making way for new displays of material wealth. Shao-Chun’s project explores this transformation, examining how commodification has altered the significance and function of funeral offerings.
Traditionally, in Taiwanese funerals, grieving families would stack canned food into towers, serving as both a ritual offering and a shared gift for friends and relatives after the ceremony. This practice embodied remembrance and community. Yet, with the rise of capitalism, the structure and contents of these towers have drastically changed. Today, their height and the goods they hold serve as indicators of social status and wealth, fundamentally altering their original purpose. The focus has shifted from honoring the deceased to showcasing the affluence of the living, turning a once-profound tradition into an opportunity for social prestige.
Shao-Chun’s project materializes through an installation and live ritual. At its core stands a steel tower adorned with cast wax elements symbolizing traditional Taiwanese and Chinese representations of power and prosperity. Under the heat of infrared light, these elements melt and deform, offering a striking visual metaphor for the transient nature of material wealth and the evolving values within funeral customs. The installation provokes reflection on how the commercialization of mourning has led to an increasing spectacle of grief.
The artist approaches this subject from a deeply personal perspective, engaging in conversations with their family to better understand how these traditions have changed. Through direct dialogue, Shao-Chun highlights how their research is rooted in real experiences, making the project not only an aesthetic and conceptual analysis but also an intimate reflection on heritage and the true value of remembrance.