臺灣美濃地區喪葬禮硏究

Abstract

Hakkas are the second largest ethenic group in Taiwan who began migrating approximately 400 years ago, now mostly dwelling in Hsinchu(新竹), Miaoli(苗栗), Taitung(臺東) and Meinong(美濃). Among these cities, Meinong(美濃), located north east of Kaohsiung(高雄), was particularly famous for being the granary zone of southern Taiwan with its high agricultural productions. With most citizens being Hakkas, Meinong(美濃) has simple public sentiment, strongly conservative, and have eager fervor for higher education. Simply put, it is a region with the densest Hakka characteristics in Taiwan. This research is on funeral rituals of Hakka ethnics in Meinong(美濃) area, Taiwan, based on literature materials, and actual visit and direct observations of their funeral rituals. It was especially considered in four steps: passing, laying in casket, funeral, and burial; with main emphasis on the funeral rituals.