What Do You Think?

[troach]

This is actually an interesting idea not on with symbolically encouraging people let go of the past (and old baggage). But also perhaps a chance to overcome a bit of the fear of death so many people have.



copied from:
http://www.taiwanheadlines.gov.tw/ct.asp?xItem=224904&CtNode=13


College students' graduation project creates new view on coffins

05/08/2011 (Liberty Times)

Many people believe that coffins are taboo, fearing that coming into contact with them brings grief. However, students in the Department of Radio and Television at National Taiwan University of Arts (NTUA) are challenging that taboo. On the eve of Mother's Day, the students offered the public the chance to experience what a coffin is like. During the day, about 200 people rested in the coffin in a move to say good bye to the past, including 77-year-old Huang Lian-zi, who joked on the spot, saying that there's absolutely nothing to be afraid of.

The theme of graduation exhibit for seniors in the department this year is "Farewell." Instructors hope that the students will use the opportunity to bid farewell to their lives as university students and look forward to the future. The students commissioned the manufacture of a fake white-colored coffin. The coffin has been displayed on the campuses of NTUA, Shih Hsin University, and Fu Jen Catholic University, and students and the public are welcome to lie down in the coffin and have a lovely funerary picture taken. Those taking part then write on a board what they desired to say goodbye to. Once this ceremony is completed, each person participating then receives a red envelope in an effort to allay any dread about what he or she just did.

Song Yuan-zhi, a senior in the department, said that many people shun coffins and memorial services. Song explained that the students hope to create a new spiritual feeling among people towards coffins. A number of female university students taking the opportunity to lie down in the coffin expressed their desire to bid farewell to fatness and welcome becoming thin. Many males, on the other hand, stated their hope to say goodbye to being single and welcoming in the future. Some people even took the chance to make confessions.

Shelton George, who is from Liberia, over the weekend had the chance to lie down in the coffin. He said that he is a Christian and that he feels that this activity is extremely meaningful. Everyone dies at some point, he said, so there is no need to look upon this as taboo. Rather, this offers an on opportunity to ponder the meaning of life, he said.

A woman surnamed Weng took her children to the display, with her son writing on the board that he said goodbye to the third grade and welcomes the fourth grade. This brought a smile to the people there. Meanwhile, a Mr. Shi held his three-month-old little girl and attended the activity with his wife. The whole family expressed their desire to bid farewell to old memories and welcome a new life.

The exhibit will move to the Taipei Artist Village, located at No. 7, Beiping East Road, on May 27. In addition to the coffin, over 200 items made by the students will be on display.