조상제사의 의미와 기억의 의례화儀禮化

Abstract

This article examined the ancestral memorial services of confucianism from the viewpoint of ‘ritualization(儀禮化) of memory’. At first, this article understood the purpose of ancestral memorial services as rewarding one's root and returning to the origin. It also looked at the elements of services into ancestor, descendant and procedures. As to the object of services, the descendants distinctively decided to whom they would service by the blood continuity. That is contrasted with the memorial services of state or village communities which decided the objects by charitable deeds. Memorial services was the ritual to enshrine the soul of the dead as ancestor. As the soul was believed to be scattered after death, the descendant and the conditions of sensing reaction became more important. The descendant are the one who calls back the scattering soul and feels the sensing reaction directly. The continuity of memory can be found in shrine where ancestors reside and house where services take place. Periodic service is the main method to revive the memory of parents that recedes in the routine daily life. At last, the procedure of services represented the practice of filial duty by reenacting the supporting parents with foods.