| Abstract |
The bereaved family gives a present in return, called “letters of thanks”, when they accept the money given to the family in place of funeral service or so called “farewell service” in Japanese. The bereaved family use towel as the present in return nowadays. This custom was suggested adapting from Japanese customs or promoted by the government during Japanese colonial period. The meaning and content of “letters of thanks” thus confused. The purpose of this study was to clarify the origin and transformation of this etiquette. The “letters of thanks” were similar to the “thanks for condolence” which was erroneously suggested originating from “Family Ritual” written by Zhu Xi. The custom was originating from ancient etiquette. In ancient China, when emperor and honored people come to condole with presents the bereaved family should reciprocate their courtesy. The custom transformed with time, the bereaved family might thank people after the funeral service in stead of during the service and sent the “letters of thanks” with presents such as meat sacrificed in the funeral service. However, not all people can afford meat. Therefore, rice cakes were used in stead of meat as present for thanks for condolence. Thereafter, mourning handkerchief substitute the rice cake and towel replace the handkerchief currently. During Japanese colonial period, a towel might shared by family member. Using towel as present for thanks for condolence only generally as the towel industry developed vigorously after World War II. The etiquette of “letters of thanks” was not a Japanese custom and not promoted by Japanese government because of overproduction of towel.
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