LINE

Text:AAAPrint
Society

Burial service turns ashes into jewelry, incites controversy around China

1
2017-03-13 14:01People's Daily Online Editor: Gu Liping ECNS App Download

A funeral service provider in Zhejiang province has come under fire after calling on citizens to transform their deceased loved ones into jewelry.

"Ultra-hot temperatures can melt ashes, turning them into tiny crystallized beads. Due to different microelements contained in the ashes, the beads turn out in a variety of colors, making them a good material for creating jewelry," a Zhejiang funeral worker surnamed Chen told Jinbaonet.com on March 9. According to Chen, the company will offer a free trial of their service to five local residents.

Using ashes to make jewelry has become a trend in China in recent years. According to Chen, a company in Shanghai has helped over 200 clients turn their family members' ashes into beads. As of press time, families from 21 provinces in China had ordered the service to preserve memories of their late relatives. Chen noted that the service also saves land that would otherwise be occupied by corpses, and it costs less than a typical funeral ceremony.

But not everyone in China is willing to accept the innovative proposal--no surprise, given how rigidly most Chinese people adhere to traditional burial customs. The hashtag "TurnYourLovedOnesIntoNecklaces" has garnered over 310,000 page views on Sina Weibo since it was posted on March 10, with most comments criticizing the practice.

"It gives me goose bumps to even think about this horrible idea. I think the service is blasphemous to the dead and goes against Chinese traditions. Chinese people believe that a proper burial is crucial for the deceased souls, as it allows them to finally rest in peace," one netizen wrote on Weibo.

But others hold a different opinion, noting that the new service is practically a necessity considering the skyrocketing cost of land in China.

"I think the idea of turning ashes into jewelry is environmentally friendly. We should leave the land for the living, not the dead," another netizen wrote.

  

Related news

MorePhoto

Most popular in 24h

MoreTop news

MoreVideo

News
Politics
Business
Society
Culture
Military
Sci-tech
Entertainment
Sports
Odd
Features
Biz
Economy
Travel
Travel News
Travel Types
Events
Food
Hotel
Bar & Club
Architecture
Gallery
Photo
CNS Photo
Video
Video
Learning Chinese
Learn About China
Social Chinese
Business Chinese
Buzz Words
Bilingual
Resources
ECNS Wire
Special Coverage
Infographics
Voices
LINE
Back to top Links | About Us | Jobs | Contact Us | Privacy Policy
Copyright ©1999-2018 Chinanews.com. All rights reserved.
Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited.